Farmer says he killed birds to keep them away from field
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, September 28 2018:
Bishnupur police personnel arrested one farmer for allegedly trapping and killing wild birds using pesticides.
The person identified as Khomdram Nabachandra (52), s/o Ibochou of Kwaksiphai Maning Leikai was arrested today evening.
A team of Bishnupur police rushed to Kwaksiphai Maning Leikai when the news about mass trapping and killing of wild birds including Myna (Chongnga) and Pigeon/dove (Lam Khunu) spread through the social media sites at around 9 am.
When the team reached Nabachandra's paddy field, six dead birds were found hanging on a stick along with one live bird and an empty bottle of pesticide.
The Bishnupur police station summoned Nabachandra when the police could not find him.
Later in the police station, Nabchandra conveyed that he trapped and killed the birds after the birds ate all his newly planted American peas from the field.
He also conveyed that he hung up the dead birds to scare the others and prevent them from attacking his field again.
Nabachandra also stated that he did not kill the birds deliberately but to keep them from coming back in the field.
Meanwhile, Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar has termed the killing of wild birds as unfortunate.
Speaking to media persons at his office in Manipur Secretariat today, Shyamkumar stated that the authorities will take up necessary actions on the matter, especially when others are organising campaigns and awareness programmes to save the forest and wildlife, considering the rapid climate change.
He said, According to The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, a culprit is served with three years imprisonment or imposed with a fine of Rs 25,000 or both.
The Minister assured to begin due process by investigating the matter and arrest those who were involved in the incident.
Shyamkumar appealed to the people to extend their cooperation and support to the schemes and initiatives launched by the Government to save the environment and the eco system.