ZUF warns against exploitation of natural resources
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 02 2022:
The Zeliangrong United Front has cautioned all concerned Agencies, Departments, companies or individuals against wilful and random exploitation of forest and natural resources in the name of development in all the Zeliangrong areas to protect and preserve the environment and ecological balance.
In a release, ZUF stated that huge portions of the land have been damaged, exploited and overused without proper consent and consultation with the landowners and stakeholders of the area.
"The exploitation of river banks and streams by sand and stone quarrying in the name of development and business activities have caused many unprecedented disasters", it added.
The front stated that indiscriminate poaching of wild animals and birds have endangered many species while adding that the impact of human activities will be devastating if left unchecked.
The front also cautioned all to not employ non-conventional methods of fishing by poisoning, use of electric and inverter, bleaching powder, etc.
"All these methods are totally banned with immediate effects and any defaulter who is found practising these methods will be penalized with stringent actions", it asserted.
Welcoming all the development projects and programmes taken up by both the State and Central Governments, the front cautioned all the companies and Agencies working in Zeliangrong areas to maintain genuine work quality.
The front also warned that extracting forest products including stone, sand and other resources without proper knowledge and information of the local people and paying nominal tax at the lowest rate to the concerned villages will be checked.
The ZUF further cautioned the companies and Agencies working in Zeliangrong areas to obtain prior consent from the front before undertaking any projects.
"The front since its inception as a socio-political revolutionary movement took a hard stand to eradicate illegal drugs, trafficking and consumption in all Zeliangrong inhabited areas and banned cultivation of Psychopathic drug plants including cannabis and poppy", it added.
ZUF further mentioned that it would extend every possible support and co-operation to any authority and organization in the move to make a free drug society.
"The Front shall take up strong actions against all illegal drug trafficking and social evils.
No further warning or consideration shall be intimated against the defaulters", it concluded.