Biswajit leads Op to nab poachers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 03 2022: Following the seizure of around 11 kg meat suspected to be of the rare Sangai from one Md Aslam from Sekmaijin on March 31, forest minister Th Biswajit personally took part in a search operation conducted on Sunday in the surrounding of Loktak lake and Konuma area to nab culprits involved in killing of Sangai and other wildlife in Keibul Lamjao National Park.

A joint team comprising forest department officials, police personnel, IRB and forest guards led by minister Biswajit started the operation to nab culprits from 11am.The search began from different directions after the joint team gathered together at Komlakhong Chingthi first.

Minister Biswajit personally rode on a boat and checked suspected floating huts where the culprits could have taken shelter while drones were utilised to locate poachers.

However, no culprits could be nabbed in the operation conducted till 3pm.Divisional forest officer (central) RK Amarjit, deputy conservator of forest (park & sanctuary) Kh Loken, Mayang Imphal police station SDPO Md Farook Ali also took part in the search operation.

Minister Biswajit told media persons after the operation that forest department officials and staff need protection like police and firearms have been procured under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to be issued to range officer, deputy range officer, beat officer and forest guards.

Formal approval is being awaited from the state home department for providing training on use of firearms to 100 forest guards, he said, adding that steps have been initiated for issuing uniforms to forest guards so as to ensure protection of wildlife and self.

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