In a rare and significant display of cross-border cooperation, a team of firefighters from Myanmar crossed into Indian territory on Saturday to assist their counterparts in Manipur in dousing a massive fire. The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit around 11 am, quickly engulfed and destroyed at least ten houses in Ward 5 of Moreh, Manipur’s key border town in the Tengnoupal district.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident as security forces ensured the safe evacuation of all residents from the affected homes.
The Critical Timely Intervention
The intensity and speed with which the fire spread proved overwhelming for the local resources. The initial response involved the Manipur Fire Service (Moreh Sub-Station), personnel from the State Police, Commandos, and the Assam Rifles, all aided by local residents.
However, the rapid escalation of the fire necessitated urgent external help. A police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the critical role of the neighboring nation: “The fire spread immediately and our firefighter was unable to control the fire. Moreh could have been worse if backup teams from Myanmar had not come in time.”
The timely arrival of the Myanmar firefighting team, reportedly from nearby Tamu Town, proved instrumental in bringing the uncontrolled blaze under wraps and preventing it from spreading further into the densely populated commercial area. Police are currently investigating to officially determine the exact cause of the fire, though a short circuit is the primary suspicion.
Moreh: A Trade Hub Operating Under Strain
Moreh holds a crucial position as a major trade center and business hub in Northeast India, historically vital for the importation of foreign goods via the land route.
The Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate, which facilitates this trade, has faced continuous disruption. It was initially shut down indefinitely on March 9, 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was subsequently prolonged due to the internal civil unrest in both Manipur and Myanmar.
However, the gate has recently seen partial activity, including its reopening for the deportation of illegal Myanmar nationals from Indian territory (Manipur), underscoring the enduring significance of this border crossing for both humanitarian and security matters.