Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 13 2009:
Citing security reasons, the Army has prevented Manipur Forest officials from entering the Keibul Lamjao National Park to ascertain whether any of the endangered Sangai (brow antlered deer) were killed in the fierce gun fight between security personnel and underground cadres at Loktak lake on April 12 and 13 .
The Keibul Lamjao covering an area of 40 square kms is the only floating National park in the world and is the natural habitat of the Sangai, which is an endangered animal.
Forest officials at Keibul Lamjao said that they were not allowed to venture into the park to verify whether any Sangai was killed or injured in the gun fight, by the Army citing security reasons.
Speaking to The Sangai Express the officials said that they were not allowed to venture into the park to ascertain the facts and added that in such a situation they are in a helpless condition.
However fortunately local people heard the gun shots from the direction of the south eastern side of the park where the Sangai do not venture into.
The officials have also submitted a written report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, S Singsit on the matter.
When contacted Singsit asked whether the strategy of the Army is to restrict the movement of the Forest officials who are only interested in saving endangered species due to any difficulties.
Our employees are ready to enter the park as and when the Army lifts the restrictions, he added.
Altogether 28 Forest employees including two Rangers and watchers are stationed at Keibul Lamjao.
As per the 2003 Census the population Sangai in the Park was 180 .