Imphal, April 17 2009: With the troops of the 57 Mountain Division inching towards the core zone of Keibul Lamjao in the course of Operation Summer Storm, forest officials have expressed suspicion that some harm may have come to the rare Sangai as well as other wild life in the park.

Speaking to The Sangai Express forest officials said that following the heavy bombing and firing at Keibul Lamjao since the start of the operation from early morning of April 12, there is strong possibility that the Sangai and other wild life in the park may have been adversely affected with the possibility that some Sangai may have been killed.

The Army has barred the entry of forest officials to the park on security reason, they said and though they have tried to enter the park twice, on each occasion they have been turned back.

It has been six days since the operation was launched in the morning of April 12 and the troops have made their way to the core zone of Keibul Lamjao.

Troops have been deployed at Pabot and Toya Ching located inside the park, said villagers while interacting with a team of media persons who had gone to Bishnupur district today.

The troops have also encircled the park.

Despite the heavy down pour today, the troops are still continuing with the operation, said the villagers and added that they did not hear any sound of gun fire or encounter today.

Troops deployed at the park allowed the media persons to proceed up to the IB but not beyond on security reasons and gave a brief sketch of the ongoing operation.

Villagers settled along the periphery of the park are also barred from entering the park to collect vegetables or to fish.