Mizo Church helps tribal victims of Tripura fire

Churches in Mizoram have come forward to help the victims of a recent fire at the Naisingpara Reang refugee camp that left thousands homeless in north Tripura.

The Mizoram Synod of the Presbyterian Church of India has dispatched relief materials like blankets, utensils, food and other supplies, which would be handed over by the moderator Rev. C Lalsangliana.

Besides relief materials, the Church is also planning to send Rs 5 lakh to aid the victims, many who still lack shelter.

Sources said the fire at the Reang camp might have broken out from an oven in the kitchen. According to officials, at least 15 people, including four children and eight women, were burnt to death.

"It is absolutely shocking. The fire has worsened the lives of people. They have nothing left. We pray God will comfort the grieving families," said Rev. Lalsangliana after his visit.

He added: "As Church we want to do our best to help the people at this crucial time. We have already sent trucks of relief materis. More is being gathered to help the people. Funds are also being collected for rebuilding houses."

Officials said the fire left over 3,500 people homeless and injured at least 100. The entire camp accommodated about 5,000 refugees, living in bamboo-made houses.

"Fifteen charred bodies of men, women and children were recovered so far from the camp. Fire broke out at about 12 noon and soon engulfed the camp," DIG Police (Control) Nepal Das told PTI.

The Tripura government had already declared Rs 1 lakh exgratia for the next of kins of the deceased.

More than 34,000 Reang tribals, locally called Bru, have been living in camps in Kanchanpur following ethnic clashes over land since 1997.