Chumoukedima, Nagaland, May 4 (HBTV): Two separate fire incidents occurred in a village in Mokokchung district on the morning of May 3. In the first incident, fire reportedly destroyed two houses and a granary in Kinunger village, located about 20 kilometers from Mokokchung town.

The other incident, also in Kinunger, occurred at the village’s church, our Mokokchung correspondent reported. Fortunately, the villagers brought it under control and prevented it from causing further damage. 

Kinunger village council’s chairman Imlikenba said the first fire broke out around 1:30 AM in the Yimpang area of Kinunger. The first incident saw the complete destruction of two houses and a granary. There were no casualties or injuries at press time. Both houses were vacant at the time, reports said.    

The Fire Station of Mokokchung south at Marepkong responded to the incident. Firefighters and local villagers worked to prevent the fire from spreading, especially given the windy conditions, said an official from the Fire Station. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Property worth approximately INR 15 lakh was destroyed. The property reportedly included three scooters and a year's supply of rice, the official added.     

Further, a fire incident inside the village’s church was prevented. He disclosed that three bottles of petrol were found inside the church. One being fully used up; two more bottles were discovered in two vacant houses within the village premises after the church fire was doused. This led to the village council to suspect that the incidents were intentional. 

A First Information Report was lodged and the police conducted a preliminary investigation.