The Mupliang Presbyterian Church, a revered place of worship standing for 15 years, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of today, plunging the local community into mourning and disbelief. The tranquil night was shattered around 1:30 am as flames erupted within the walls of Mupliang Presbyterian Church in the surroundings of the West Jaiñtia Hills district. Initial investigations point to a suspected short circuit originating from the church’s storeroom, where a generator was housed, as the cause of the inferno, a detail corroborated by church elders.
By 2 am, the fire had raged uncontrollably, devouring everything in its path. Despite frantic efforts by church members, who resorted to ringing the church bell in a desperate plea for assistance, the flames continued to spread relentlessly, leaving them feeling powerless against the destructive force.Firefighting teams from Jowai, the district headquarters located approximately 17 kilometers away, faced a daunting challenge in reaching the remote village in time to contain the blaze. Regrettably, their arrival was delayed, resulting in extensive damage to the cherished place of worship.
While the silver lining amidst this tragedy is the absence of casualties, the financial toll is significant, with property damage estimated at a staggering Rs 1.5 crore. The devastation extends beyond the physical structure, as newly acquired musical instruments, a sound system, and other valuable items installed as part of the church’s recent renovation lie in ruins. The loss has left the faithful reeling with grief, as many were witnessed sitting amidst the debris, mourning the destruction of their beloved spiritual sanctuary. The church, which had recently undergone a facelift with fresh paint and the acquisition of new equipment, stood as a symbol of unwavering faith for the community.An elderly member of the congregation, her voice choked with emotion, recounted the recent enhancements made to the building, her tears mirroring the collective sorrow felt by all.