Monday, March 22, 2010

Jhum fires claim eight lives in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 22 : At least eight persons were killed by wild fire that spread from 'jhum (slash-and-burn method of cultivation)' since February in Champhai district of Mizoram.

Sources said fire spread from the burning forests to the east Mizoram district.

The latest victim was a 15-year-old boy killed near Mizoram-Myanmar border of Melnuk village in Champhai district, about 80 km from here, on Saturday.

The police said Seilianthanga was burnt alive while trying to douse the fire.

A vast area of forest being protected by Young Mizo Association (YMA) near Bungchawm village in Serchhip district was also devastated by the fire raging for the past two days.