Dhule, Maharashtra: Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang of Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration met with 12 member-representatives of the distressed Tibetan sweater sellers of Dhule, Maharashtra on Thursday. Five days ago, the warehouse storing the merchandise of the Dhule Tibetan sweater sellers were gutted in fire due to a short circuit.
According to the thorough inquiry conducted by the Home Department, the fire broke out in the godown at around 4 am on 1 September. The fire-ignited by a short circuit-completely engulfed the warehouse and the entire merchandise of the 12 shops were charred to ashes.
At the meeting with the Kalon, the representatives of the Dhule sweater sellers presented their grievances and losses; the entire merchandise was worth around INR 2 crore against an advance payment of INR 52 Lakh.
After hearing them out, Kalon proposed to sanction INR Five Lakh from the emergency relief fund of Department of Home as an immediate relief measure.
Kalon assured them that the Central Tibetan Administration and particularly the Home department will provide every possible assistance and promised to bring the matter to the attention to Kashag. He also affirmed that CTA will do everything possible to get free interest loan to enable them to carry this year’s winter sweater businesses.
He advised them that in due time, they should approach concerned Lalas of Ludhiana with assistance from the Tibetan Refugee Traders Association on availing concession for the losses they incurred.
It was also informed that the Department of Home, CTA will release an appeal to all sympathetic donors both NGOs and individuals for emergency relief support once the assessment of loss and damage is completed.
Kalon consoled the disheartened Tibetan sweater sellers and assured that with concerted efforts and support, the losses would be recovered.
Dhondup Gyalpo, Settlement Officer of Bhandara Tibetan Settlement and a representative of the Tibetan Refugee Traders Association accompanied the Kalon in the meetings.
-Filed by Department of Home