Guwahati, April 30 -- Reported by Bit Irom

Imphal: Properties worth over Rs 2 crore were destroyed after a fire broke out at Khoupum Bazaar, under Khoupum Police Station in Manipur's Noney district, on Wednesday night, gutting eight shops and 11 houses.

Preliminary information suggests the fire was triggered by an electrical short circuit inside a shop that reportedly contained petrol and gas. An explosion from a gas cylinder further spread the fire, reducing 11 dwellings to ashes.

According to the Manipur Fire Services, two fire tenders were rushed to the spot after receiving an emergency call. The blaze was brought under control early Thursday morning.

A team from the Assam Rifles and Manipur Fire Services, along with a water bowser...