Forest fire continues to rage in a Nagaland valley

Kohima, Jan 10 : The fire continued to rage in Dzukou valley, a prime tourist location of Nagaland, for the sixth day today as personnel from forest department, Assam Rifles and other government agencies fought to put off the blaze.

Nearly 500 volunteers from both western and southern Angami areas were assisting personnel from forest department, home guards, Assam Rifles and fire and emergency services to control the flames which broke out on Monday in western fringes of Khonoma village of Kohima district in the southern parts, officials said.

The verdant valley, inaccessible by motorable roads, is home to the most endangered fowl species 'Blythe's Tragopan' besides other jungle fowls and is the main source of water for surrounding areas and parts of Kohima town.