Imphal, Sept. 12 -- A four-room house was destroyed in a midnight fire at Kharasom village in Manipur's Ukhrul district on Friday.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 AM while the homeowners were away tending to their agricultural fields.

According to the house owner, Nganingkhui Zimik, the cause of the fire remains unknown.

The family estimates total losses at about Rs 20 lakh, including the concrete structure, a smoothbore breech-loading (SBBL) rifle, furniture, clothing, an LPG setup, and cash.

Because the property was unattended and most villagers were asleep when the fire peaked, they could not salvage any belongings. Local sources also noted that the village lacks access to fire tender services.

Zimik, who supports his wife an...