Forest products smuggling rampant at border areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 23 2013: Taking advantage of virtually non-existent administrative mechanism in the remote border areas rare and precious forest products such as Ginseng, orchids and root species called Khuikhe in Tangkhul dialect are being smuggled in truck-loads to China via Myanmar through the porous international border in Ukhrul district sector.

The illegal trading in forest products came to light when this reporter recently went to Tusom area under Jessami sub-division of Ukhrul district and spotted loads of wild-plants transported into Myanmar for its final destination in China where information has been received about the plants being used in manufacture of medicines.

It is said that for the last many years huge quantity of wild plant species found abundantly in Tusom and adjoining villages used to be smuggled into Myanmar in Shaktiman trucks, Tata DI and other goods carriers.

Highly prized Ginseng and Khuikhe roots which are being smuggled abundantly

At the behest of Chinese companies, the goods are normally collected from Tusom and other villages by villagers of Somra, the first village across the border.

Considered to contain high medicinal value three varieties of ginseng namely Penak Ginseng, Pseudo Ginseng and Peris Pollypylla (dried form) command Rs 2500 a kilogram, with price of five orchid varieties ranging from Rs 500-1000 per kg and Khuikhe having Rs 500 a kg value.

Interacting with The Sangai Express some Tusom villagers informed that the wild plants that grow abundantly in May, June and July months are collected from the forest and stocked for trading to the Myanmar traders/collectors.

While such illegal trade in ginseng or orchid had been in existence for the past many years, the Chinese companies are said to have diverted their focus on Khuikhe roots, a tree variety whose barks produce sticky fluid.

Inspite of claiming to be aware about such activities prohibited under the law, the villagers conceded that due to financial gains associated with trading in the wild plants and taking advantage of absence of law enforcement agencies in and around Tusom village they continue to indulge in the illegal trade.

As no Assam Rifles, Police or Forest department posts/outposts could be located near Tusom village to enquire about the illegal activities flourishing there attempt was made to contact the Ukhrul Divisional Forest Officer at the time of filing this report but the phone calls were but the efforts remained elusive as repeated phone calls were not received.

When some Assam Rifles officials were enquired as to whether they are aware about the illegal trading in the border village they claimed to have received several objections reminding that it is not the prerogative of the Assam Rifles to prevent transportation of timber products or medicinal plants.

Seriously noting unrestrained trading in forest products, including plant species having medicinal values in the border areas, Ukhrul district member secretary of National Green Corp Ningreishang calling upon the border area villagers to abstain from reckless exploitation of natural resources, also suggested that the Government work out an effective mechanism to protect rare and valuable wild plant species.