Imphal, April 15 2009: Concerned over the continuing sounds of rocket shells and gunfire, twenty-five civil society organisations in and around Keibul Lamjao have submitted a joint memorandum to the Chief Minister drawing his attention to save the Sangais against the backdrop of the ongoing military operation in and around Keibul Lamjao, the only home to endangered species, Sangais.

The representation urged the immediate intervention of the Chief Minister to end the operation in the interest of the endangered Sangais.

The memo asks how the Sangais are going to survive in the midst of the thuds of shelling Rocket Launcher, and the sounds of helicopters.

Signatory civil society organisations submitting the memorandum include Women Social Development Association, Keibul Lamjao; Young Ideal Club cum Library, Keibul Makha Leikai; Keibul Women Welfare Association; Young Guidance Club, Chingmei; Voluntary Youth Development Organisation; Social Educational Sports and Cultural Organisation, Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup, Apunba Nupi Lup, Bpr, Society for Disable Persons Organisation, Nongmaikhong Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Nongmaikhong Athletics Youth Advantage Club, Nongmaikhong Youth Club, Nongmaikhong Hiyangleima Star Youth Club, Khordak Ichil Club, Yashok Club, KYO Khordak Awang, ROSCAR Keibul Sagram, FANCA Chandapur, Shanti Union Club, Keibul Lamjao Social Development Organisation, Ithai Nupicha Association, Ithai Khuman Nupi Samaj Chaokhat Lamjing Lup, Ithai Youth Club, IMC Club, Plain and Hills Development organisation.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Social Reformation and Sangai Protection Forum, Keibul Lamjao National Park has urged the Army authority to grant permission to trained volunteers of the forum and forest officials for nursing the wounded Sangais inside the park, a press release issued by the forum's secretary H Meghachandra Mangangcha said.

The Environment and Human Development (EHUD-Manipur) has also expressed concern over the happenings in and around Keibul Lamjao National Park, which has also been declared as a Wild Life Sanctuary while drawing the attention of the concerned authority, according to a press statement released by Sagolsem Doren, IPR Secretary of EHUD-Manipur.