A joint team of Mayang Imphal Police Station, forest officials and members of the Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife and Biodiversity (JCCWB) conducted an operation against poachers at Mayang Imphal Bengun Makha wetland and Uchiwa Maning area adjacent to Loktak Lake, Imphal West, on Sunday early morning.
The team seized four bird trapping nets, but the miscreants had already escaped through water routes after hearing sounds of people approaching the area. The seized nets were later burnt down at the Mayang Imphal Beat Office as part of the enforcement measures.
According to reports, the Joint Coordination Committee on Wildlife and Biodiversity (JCCWB) stated that several illegal bird-trapping activities using guns were detected in these locations.
The report continued that acting on the information, JCCWB members, along with a team led by ASI H. Brojen Singh under the supervision of Mayang Imphal Police Station OC W. Dhirajkumar, reached the area. They were joined by Environment Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum Vice-President Salam BK, staff of the Mayang Imphal Forest Beat Office, local volunteers and other JCCWB members.
Upon inspection, the team found freshly laid traps set up to catch migratory birds. Police immediately dismantled the nets and traps and seized four bird trapping nets. These were later burnt down at the Mayang Imphal Beat Office.
Expressing concern, JCCWB Convenor Romesh Ningthoujam said that during this winter season, migratory birds traveling long distances are arriving in Manipur, and it is extremely unfortunate that some people continue to trap and kill these valuable species. Such acts of trapping, killing and selling birds not only threaten wildlife but also violate several laws, including The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, The Environment Protection Act, 1986 and The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
He appealed to people not to engage in bird-killing or trapping activities, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators. He further emphasized that all wild animals and birds are essential parts of the ecosystem and must be protected.
