Imphal, April 22 2010: The steps being taken up by the Government of India to erect fencing along the International border of India and Myanmar has been strongly opposed during a discourse held at the Senate Hall of Manipur University here today.

Participating in the discourse, noted environmentalists, academicians, social leaders, columnists and journalists were unanimous in their observations that the border fencing across Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary would not only affect the environment of the sanctuary and its inhabitants seriously, but would also give serious impact on the normal life of the people settled along the border area.

Organised under the aegis of Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment Network, Manipur (BEENET Manipur), the discourse on 'Boundary fencing across Yangoupokpi Wildlife Sanctuary) was inaugurated by retired Head of Botany Department, DM College of Science Dr H Nandiram as chief guest and Prof N Rajmuhan Singh of Chemistry Department, Manipur University as functional president.

Director of Academic Staff College, Manipur University Dr RK Ranjan Singh and lecturer of DM College of Science Dr T Brojen were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Delivering the key note address, S Bhubol said there is an urgent need to deeply study the steps being taken up by the Government of India to put up fencing along the International border with Myanmar in Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul district of Manipur.

The discourse is therefore being held to discuss the possible impacts that the proposed border fencing would have on the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary located in Chandel district along the border with Myanmar as well as on the normal life of the people settled along the border area.

In his address as chief guest of the inaugural function, Dr H Nandiram pointed out that before the proposal of the Government of India to erect fencing along the border with Myanmar is actually implemented it is essential to have a thorough discussion among every section of the society including politicians, environmental academicians, villagers living in border area, social leaders, etc at the State level.

As in the case of Ithai Barrage where no thought had been given on the natural route of the fishes at the time of its construct, blocking of the Manipur river has led to extinction of many indiginous fishes, putting up fencing across Yangoupokpi Wildlife Sanctuary may spell doom for its inhabitants, he said.

Dr RK Ranjan observed that there are many rare and endangered species of wild animals and birds in the sanctuary including 84 species of fishes, 29 reptiles, 42 mammals besides a variety of primates.

Stating that border fencing between two neighbouring countries is not a wise policy, Dr Ranjan contended that in the gain and loss equation of such measure, the loss to be incurred would always be more than the gain that could be expected.

Border fencing is a concept of the 11th century.

Border can be protected, movement of UGs and drug smuggling can be stopped even without the fencing, he added.

Participating in the discussion, columnist Haobam Sanajaoba observed that the implication of border fencing should be discussed under the light of certain conditions like its possible impact on the territorial integrity of Manipur and living condition of the people in the border area.

Apart from Manipur losing its land, border fencing would also disturbed the existing corridor of the wildlife, he said.

Chinglen Maisnam observed that all over the globe today border fencing is not such an important issue like the climate change.

Editor of Imphal Free Press Pradip Phanjoubam and Hisotorian Prof Joykumar also participated and spoke in the discourse.

Various recommendations have also been adopted at the end of the discourse.

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