Shillong,Oct 28: As many as 64 vendors were affected due to the fire incident at the Laitumkhrah market, on Friday.
The local MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh sought the intervention of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to rebuild the area.
Lyngdoh said the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
“Preliminary, we heard that there was a cylinder burst. How the spark actually happened is something which the fire department is now trying to establish”, she said.
“As 64 vendors suffered loss, we are finding space for them at the earliest and the chief minister has given us the assurance that whatever can be done would be done at the earliest,” she said.
In this regard, a second round of meeting with the deputy commissioner will be held on Monday.
“We have to address this issue at the earliest because the wage loss of these vendors would be very difficult for them as their family survival depends on this,”
The damage caused by the fire is around Rs 1.90 crore.
“Of course this amount is what the vendors are saying but we are yet to find out from the DC’s office on the actual assessment of the damage,” she said.
Alternative space in Dorbar land
During a visit to the area, it was found that the Municipal department was clearing the land of the Dorbar near the damaged shops to provide alternative accommodation for the vendors.
A resident said it is a blessing in disguise as the Dorbar land was used as a dumping ground.
