Imphal, June 24 2010: Even as outbreak of foot and mouth disease among the cattles in Kumbi area has created panic over its possible spread among Sangai population in the neighbouring Keibul Lamjao National Park, the State Government continues to remain blind to the difficulties faced by the Forest Guards deployed for the protection of Sangai.

Established in March 1977, Keibul Lamjao National Park has been the only natural habitat of Sangai, which is not only a rare and endangered species but also the State animal.

In order to protect these rare and endangered species, around 20 casual employees being deployed as Forest Guards are getting only Rs 2442 as monthly salary for the last 25 years, despite the fact that they have been in the service of protecting the State animal day and night.

''This meagre amount being given by the Department as salary is just not enough to meet the growing demand of escalating price rise and education of the children'', said one of the Forest Guards.

Inspite of numerous instances of threats from poachers for preventing them from hunting and killing Sangai and the pittance being paid as salary, an aggrieved Forest Guard said that he has been living under the belief that the Government would one day recognise the services of the Forest Guards.

But now it seems that before regularisation of service, he and his colleagues may soon retire from service.

The salary being given to the Forest Guards is also reportedly paid after every six months.

Though the Forest Guards have petitioned the Government to regularise their services many times, the aspirations of the Forest Guards are yet to be fulfilled.

In this regard, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr S Singsit informed that relevant report on regularising the services of the casual Forest Guards deployed in the National Park had been submitted to the Government and the Government is taking up necessary steps.

On the other hand, outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease among the cattles in Kumbi area, which located just adjacent to the National Park, has caused apprehension of its possible spread among Sangai population in the Park as well.

As cattles from neighbouring area strayed into the Park, the possibility of spreading the contagious viral disease to the Sangai population has been heightened.

It is said that in first week of this month, one Hog Deer was found dead inside the Park with blood on its faeces.

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