Sit-in demands restoration of Keibul Lamjao National Park boundary
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, August 23 2022:
The residents of Kumbi, Ithai Wapokpi, Ithai, Nongmaikhong and Khordak staged a sit in protest today demanding the restoration of Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) boundary as demarcated by the ringbund & electric poles and allegedly acknowledged by the Revenue Department and Forest Department in 2015-2016 .
The protest was organised by the JAC of the people of areas affected by the extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park at Ibudhou Pakhangba Hiyangtek Lairembi, Nongmaikhong.
Speaking to media persons, one Ningthoujam Budhichandra from Nongmaikhong condemned the 2016 notification citing the extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park and alleged that the ringbund had always served to demarcate the park area from the public area.
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"Electric poles had also been erected to further mark the demarcation of the two areas", he added.
He further cited the contribution of the residents in surrounding areas of the park in safeguarding the Sangai adding that they stopped poachers from entering and hunting the animal after declaration of its protected status in 1977 .
He further appealed to Chief Minister N Biren Singh to revoke the proposal for extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Notably, participants at the sit in protest displayed placards with inscriptions such as "Save our lake", "Save Kumbi Pat, Save Ungamlen Pat, Save Khordak Nongmaikhong Pat, Save Lives of Potential Fish Farmers" among others.