Fire Damages Tibetans’ Shops, Houses, Restaurants

Photo: Lobsang Wangyal

Dharamsala, 20 December: A massive fire broke out this morning around 3.30 in McLeod Ganj setting ablaze nine shops, a restaurant, a hotel cum restaurant, an office and five residential houses, all belonging to Tibetans. The entire wooden structure facing the Tibetan temple in the centre of the market have been turned to rubbles due to the fire. An eyewitness said that the fire spread quickly to adjacent buildings leaving little time for evacuation of belongings. The local fire station was contacted immediately after the fire was detected. More fire extinguishers were called from Palampur and Kangra. The fire came under control at around 7 AM.

The loss of property is estimated to be around one crore rupees, while the damage caused to the building is put at 14.5 lakh rupees bringing the total loss to 1,1375000 rupees. The affected Tibetans believe that the voltage fluctuation and short circuit caused by the bad weather last night may have led to the fire. The exact cause, however, is not known. An FIR has been lodged at the local police station.

An immediate relief of ten thousand rupees each for the affected families was announced by the district administration. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate who distributed the immediate relief money ruled out sabotage to be the cause of the accident. However, more compensation from the Indian government may be given after a thorough assessment of the loss. The Tibetans thanked the Sub Divisional Magistrate, who was also at the site clearing out rubbles, for his assistance.

Mr. Thupten Lungrik, the acting Kalon Tripa, visited the site and expressed his administration’s sympathy with the shopkeepers. The shopkeepers association immediately held a meeting at the Bhagsu Club House and the members helped the fire brigade to clear the debris.

Mr. Pema Jungney and Ms. Gyari Dolma, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson respectively of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies also visited the site.

Tashi Dhondup, president of the Tibetan shopkeepers association, said that the Central Tibetan Administration has assured them of all possible assistance. He said that the association has no funds to provide relief to the affected families.

Meanwhile, a strong bond between the two communities of Indians and Tibetans was witnessed as the members of the local Indian shopkeepers association worked hand in hand with the Tibetans to clear the debris. The Indian association, at a meeting they held this morning, had even decided to offer rooms of their hotels for free to the homeless Tibetans till further arrangements are made for their new homes.

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