Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 20 2010:
The son of a Forest Guard deployed in Keibul Lamjao National Park for the protection of Sangai and other animals has been found to be among the poachers engaged in spreading and laying net in the Park to trap the animals.
The son in question surrendered to the Forest Department today.
Talking to media-persons in this connection today, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary) L Joykumar informed that at around 6 pm of December 19, four Forest Guards were alerted following a tip off that some poachers armed with cutlasses have sneaked into the western side (Khordakhong side) of the park to spread nets and trap animals.
Though the poachers managed to escape before the arrival of the four Forest Guards, they recovered one large net made of nylon and three cutlasses.
The Forest Guards could also establish the identity of the escaped poachers who were seven in number.
Accordingly, the Department had summoned all seven of them to report.
Acting on the summon notice, Salam Khelen, son of Salam Pakchao of Khordak Awang Leikai, who is deployed as a Forest Guard (casual staff) in the Park surrendered to the Department today.The surrendered poacher was also paraded in front of mediapersons.His other accomplices have been identified as Ningthoujam Nanao, Ningthoujam Shyamjai, Ningthoujam Chaoba, Salam Binodkumar, all residents of Khordak Awang Leikai and Salam Iboyai and Ningthoujam Boyai, both residents of Thanga Salam Leikai.
All six of them have also been directed to surrender before the Department latest by tomorrow.
The Deputy Conservator of Forest (Park and Sanctuary) assured that necessary action would be taken up against them in accordance to Wild Life Protection Act.