Imphal, April 16 2009: Bio-diversity, Ecology and Environment Network (BEE NET), Manipur has appealed for stopping the ongoing Operation Summer Storm of the Army at Loktak lake in the interest of conserving the rare endangered species of Sangai inhabiting on the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park of the lake.

Addressing a press in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, general secretary of BEE NET Dr N Mohilal pointed out that the ongoing operation would seriously affect Sangai which are timid and easily frighten by nature.

It is possible that many Sangai fawn may have been injured or drown in the water following the bombing/firing and use of helipcoters in the ongoing Operation Summer Storm, he contended, adding that the destruction caused to the floating biomasses of the National Park would also affect the natural habitat of Sangai.

In the National Park which covers an area of around 40 sq kms, it wasestimated that there are only around 180 to 200 Sangai population, he noted.

The Army operation which has come about even before the National Park could replenish itself from the devastating impact of the bushfire which broke out on February 22 this year would also affect the Park and its inhabitant all the more.

So the ongoing operation should be stopped at once in the interest of saving Sangai, Dr Mohilal pleaded.

Noted environmentalist Dr Kh Samungou who was also present during the press conference pointed out that normally last week of February to beginning of April is the mating as well as procreation season of Sangai.

So it was would appreciable not to disturb Sangai during this period.

Sangai is the wealth not only of the Manipur and India, but also of the world.

So protection of Sangai should be the responsibility all including the Army, the UGs and the civilians, he said.

Stating the silence being maintained by the Department concerned of the Govt on the possible extend of damage to the National Park and the Sangai population is very unfortunate, Dr Samungou informed that necessary information related to the ongoing operation and its impact on the Sangai population would be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister and other International bodies.