Massive fire devastates Mao market in Kohima

A massive fire broke out near PHQ junction here on Monday evening that burnt down the famous Mao Market.
The market, a hub for women and mothers selling local produces and indigenous food items, caught fire around 5:30 p.m. and raged on for more than an hour before being brought under control.
At the peak of the inferno, the flames rose to over 80 feet and were visible from many parts of the State Capital and surrounding villages.
Incidentally, the market is located just a few feet away from Nagaland Fire & Emergency Services South station and was engulfed by fire for the second time in a span of two years.
According to Addl SP & PRO, Kohima, the fire started from the lower section of the multi-storied wooden structure behind Mao Market and spread to the surrounding buildings.
Most of the shops in the two buildings were poultry, fruit vendors and second hand shops.
He said further investigation would be conducted as to how the fire broke out and the extend of the damage done.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma, who was at the site of the incident, suspected that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit. He said the Fire & Emergency Services had deployed its personnel to subdue the fire.
Responding to a query on whether he suspected any foul play in the incident or whether it was related to election as a means to create a distraction, he said it could only be a case of “tragic incident”.
The market is adjacent to Sokhriezie Market, which was also partially burnt, though no major visible damage was done to the building.
The fire was brought under control by 7 p.m. even as fire tenders kept a close watch in order to prevent the fire from reigniting.
The inferno posed a great risk of spreading to surrounding buildings as it was in close proximity to two well-known hospitals, including Bethel Medical Centre and Bethesda Hospital.
As the fire raged on, patients from Bethel Medical Centre were relocated to other hospitals in the town.
Fire tenders from North Station were also pushed into action even as they were joined by Assam Rifles and paramilitary forces stationed here.