MLA Samuel questions role of Ukhrul forest officials
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, December 18 2013: In the wake of increasing seizure of wild life meat in Ukhrul, MLA Samuel Risom has raised pertinent questions the role of forest department and its activities.

On Tuesday, the forest department burnt down wild meat seized from various women vendors in Ukhrul town in the presence of two mediapersons.

Ukhrul legislator has taken serious exception of the forest department conducting the seizure in sudden notice and that too, on the eve of Christmas.

Terming the forest officials as an arm-chair government agent, Samuel said the relevant department has not initiated any awareness campaign on the issue and thus, the women vendors have been reduced as unnecessary victims.

Ukhrul, MLA Samuel Risom

In today's local media, the wild life meat worth Rs.10,000 was assigned to flame.

However, the women vendors contended that the seized items were worth over Rs.40,000 .

The manner in which the forest officials conducted the public burning of seized wild life meat has come under serious criticism.

On Tuesday, only two reporters were invited by the forest authorities to cover the activity held in front of the concerned office.

Ukhrul MLA also raised several relevant questions on the role of forest officials in Ukhrul.

How many victims of wild animal attack have been compensated? There have been instances in villages like Chamu, Khayang and Chatric.

Why harass the women vendors and what have they done against the hunters? What have they done against the illegal felling of trees? .

Tangkhul Leihsak Long (TLL) president Ramyo Rainam argued that the Supreme Court has clamped ban on rampant timber trade.

He contended the State government is doing business out of it by collecting money from various forest check gates.

He also said the seizure of wild life meat from women vendors was unnecessary harassment and conducted without prior notice.

''There has been no serious penal action against the past violators,'' he asserted.

Meanwhile, the Shirui CT village headman has issued notice that several medicinal herbs in the Shirui hills have been destroyed.

The notice mentioned that the State government has so far not taken any measures to control the wanton destruction of flora and fauna.

On Wednesday, the village authority had imposed ban on movement of forest produces from Shirui jurisdiction.