A young man, Aftab Ali, and the Sheikh Foundation provide shelter, food and essential supplies to three affected Hindu labourer families after a blaze leaves them homeless
AGARTALA — A powerful example of communal harmony has emerged from northern Tripura after a fire destroyed the homes of three Hindu families in Gournagar block, prompting local Muslims to step forward with immediate support.
The incident took place in Gournagar area of Kailashahar in Agartala district, Tripura. According to locals, the fire broke out a few days ago due to an electrical fault. Within minutes, flames engulfed the modest houses of three Hindu labourer families, including that of Deol Bauli.
The families, who earn their livelihood through plantation work, lost their homes, furniture, savings and daily essentials. Fourteen people, including children and elderly members, were left without shelter in the cold weather.
A neighbour said, “Everything was reduced to ashes. They had nothing left. It was heartbreaking to see them sitting in front of the burnt remains of their homes.”
As the affected families waited through the day for help, a local Muslim youth, Aftab Ali, opened his doors without hesitation. He offered all three rooms of his house to accommodate the three displaced families.
“I could not see them suffer,” Ali said. “In times like this, religion does not matter. They are our neighbours first.”
He did not stop at providing shelter. Ali arranged cooking utensils, a gas cylinder, ration supplies, bedding and other daily necessities so that the families could begin to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The support soon widened. The Sheikh Foundation also came forward with assistance. The organisation sent a vehicle loaded with one month’s ration, clothes for all family members and educational materials for the children.
Maqbool Ali, adviser to the foundation, said, “This is about humanity. When one family suffers, the whole community must stand with them.” He was joined by foundation members Abbas Ali Al-Jalili, Sheikh Jasimuddin, Taj Islam and local youth Yahya Khan during the relief distribution.
Locals have praised the gesture, calling it a strong message of brotherhood at a time when communal tensions often dominate headlines. A villager said, “What Aftab Ali and the foundation have done shows the real face of our society. We live together and we help each other.”
Community leaders said the incident has strengthened bonds between Hindus and Muslims in the area. They expressed hope that such acts of solidarity would continue to promote peace and mutual respect in Tripura.
For the affected families, the immediate concern remains rebuilding their homes. But amid loss and hardship, the support from their Muslim neighbours has given them hope.
One of the affected family members said quietly, “We lost everything in the fire, but we did not lose humanity.”
