After death of 'Manipur' : 10 air guns deposited, Rs 5000 fine fixed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2018: Following the killing of Manipur, the Amur Falcon which was tagged with a satellite radio transmitter by a team of scientists, almost 10 air guns were surrendered to Khebuching Village Authority by the villagers today apart from taking a collective resolution to stop catching and killing birds immediately.

It may be mentioned that two Amur Falcons were captured and tagged with satellite radio transmitters to study their migratory routes and behaviour by a team consisting of officials of State Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India as well as three Hungarian Raptor Biologists, on November 5.The two birds were also named Manipur (male) and Tamenglong (female).

Following the killing of the bird Manipur on November 9, the Village Authority of Khebuching issued a circular prohibiting the killing of the bird as well as directing all the air guns in the village to be handed over to the village authority, which led to the surrendering of 10 air guns today.

Apart from informing that anyone found violating the ban would be fined Rs 5000, the circular also mentioned that five individuals have also been appointed to monitor any issues concerning the Amur Falcon bird.

The village even held an annual general body meeting yesterday and submitted a memorandum to the Forest Department assuring to stop cutting bamboos as well as farming at Songdilong and Tajeinlong hill range (where the bird roosts) and urging the authority concerned to provide Rs 20,000 to each of the affected people who will be left without any means of farming due to the decision.

On the other hand, Tamenglong Forest Division in collaboration with Rain Forest Club Tamenglong, started carrying out a mass awareness campaign at Khebuching today, which was also participated by locals of Lunglam and Wairangba as well.

Tamenglong DFO Arun RS, Noney DFO Napoleon Rongmei, Range Forest Officer Kh Hitler, Honorary Wild Life Warden Dr Chambo Golmei and Nehemiah Panmei, spoke as resource persons during the campaign.

A poster campaign targeting villages of Tamenglong and Noney districts was also launched apart from kick-starting a mobile awareness campaign unit as well.

It is reported that the bird Tamenglong is currently safe and sound.

It may also be mentioned that the villagers of the area had even set up anti-poaching squads.

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