Is wildlife authority in Ukhrul sleeping?
Live Falcon, dry wild meat put up for sale at mela
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, November 27 2013: A wounded Falcon and wild meat were put up for sale at a stall in the seventh Exhibition cum Sale of North East Region Community Resources Management Project (NERCORMP), which began from today at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul.

The bird with its right leg fractured and bandaged attracted lots of visitors including the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour of the programme.

The officials visiting the stalls were apparently disapproved of the live Falcon being put up for display and sale.

Ukhrul DC Dr.SK Chourasia was seen and heard asking the lady in the stall to ''please release'' the bird.

On enquiry, it was learnt that the wounded Falcon was brought from some Western village of Ukhrul.

The bird was probably caught on trap as its fractured leg is indicative.

It's an irony that the winged species and dry venison and jungle fowl were put up for display and sale at a mela of an NGO funded by Government of India and that boast of showcasing organic products of Ukhrul.

In Nagaland last year, the hunting of Femur Falcon created a furor in media, which resulted in community adopting an action to protect the bird.

In spite of ban on the sale of wildlife, the relevant authorities have failed to enforce the act in Ukhrul.

Meanwhile, the seventh Exhibition cum Sale of NERCORMP underway at Tangkhul Naga Long ground with over 40 stalls displaying local produces.

The mela was on Wednesday morning inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Dr.SK Chourasia amidst cultural shows and unique display of indigenous produces.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Chourasia exhorted the gathering to look forward to great outcome of this mela in the next few days.

More than 40 stalls were opened by various SHGs and NaRMGs showcasing an array of agro items.

NERCORMP director (A) Hrishikesh Singh also attended the inaugural function as guest of honour and conveyed regards of NEC secretary Ameising Luikham to the gathering.

In his welcome address, UDCRMS project manager Tychicus Vashum said that the agro products exhibited in different stalls are all organic, and added its effort is to encourage local growers.

The exhibition cum sale is a three-day programme with a promise to showcase different locally produced items.

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