Hot on the trail of Sangai meat traders...Forest Minister inspects Loktak Lake
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 03 2022:
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Th Biswajit carried out an inspection drive along with Forest and police personnel at Loktak Lake and its adjacent places to nab Sangai meat traders.
Notably, two persons were arrested along with 11 kg of meat suspected to be of Sangai or hog deer by the Forest Department and Unique Wildlife Protection Committee from Sekmaijin bridge on March 31 .
Reportedly, the inspection drive was carried out using drones on receiving inputs that some Sangai meat traders are hiding at Loktak Lake.
To nab the traders, a number of police personnel stood guard at Komlakhong, Sekmaijin, Konuma, Hiyangkhong and Khordak while the Minister took a motor boat ride at Loktak Lake along with some officials and searched some structures constructed atop floating biomass (phumdis) .
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Though the search was conducted for nearly 4-5 hours, none were arrested.
Speaking to media persons after the drive at Komlakhong Chingthi, Th Biswajit stated that the some people trading in the meat suspected to be of Sangai which is included in the Schedule-I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is truly disheartening.
Stating that the persons arrested along with 11 kg of Sangai or hog deer meat are currently in police custody, he disclosed the identity of other people involved in the unlawful business and added they carried out the inspection drive as per the information given by the arrested persons.
Saying that they will continue the manhunt no matter how far the distance is, Th Biswajit informed that the meat seized on March 31 has been sent to Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for verification.
To a query, Biswajit stated that the State Government is considering establishing a peripheral route in the surrounding areas of Loktak Lake for the development of Keibul Lamjao National Park and the lake itself.
The State Government is also striving to take approval from MHA to give weapons training to about 100 Forest forces.
He also urged the people of Manipur to contribute in saving Keibul Lamjao National Park and Loktak Lake.