Port Blair, Jan 28: The CPI (M) has expressed sorrow at the huge loss of property of a large number of shopkeepers in the devastating fire which occurred at Rangat in the night of 23rd January, 2024. In a letter dated 26th January, 2024, sent to the President/General Secretary of the Shyamsunder Temple Committee which owns the land where the shops existed, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee has demanded to construct a modern shopping complex at the same place where the old buildings existed and allot the same to all the victim shopkeepers. He told the Temple Committee that CPI (M) will take up this matter with the A & N Administration and Banks to render all the assistance including loan, etc. to the Temple Committee for construction of the shopping complex considering the livelihood of a large number of people.  About 60 shops were gutted in the fire.   

CPI (M) Secretary said that the victim shopkeepers have sustained huge loss of property and trading goods. These shopkeers have overnight become penniless. CPI (M) assured the fire victims that the Party will remain with them at this hour of distress.  They need to begin their lives afresh as they lost everything in the fire accident and it is the duty of the Administration and community to render all the assistance and help required by them to re-start their business. Ayyappan assured the Temple Committee and fire victims that the CPI (M) will leave no stone unturned to help these fire victims.