Imphal: Five persons who had killed two migratory birds in the Ikop lake in Thoubal district on October 4 were fined ₹25,000 each.
For the first time in Manipur such hefty fines were imposed on someone for killing migratory birds. Besides, their luxury car and guns were confiscated and declared as state properties.
Lokendra, divisional forest officer of Thoubal said actions were taken against the five persons under the provisions of The Manipur Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for killing the two migratory birds.
Lokendra said Rabi Takhellambam, president of the Wildlife Bio-diversity Conservation Committee had informed the forest office on December 4 about the killing of migratory birds near the Ikop lake.
Without wasting any time, the forest officials swung into actions, and searching the vehicle, the two dead birds were found.
While all the five persons confessed their crime, they were fined Rs 25,000 each, and were given strict instructions not to repeat it again in future.
The Forest Department in Manipur, during the last few years, has been appealing to the people not to kill the migratory birds which come to the various lakes in the state.
With the aim to spread awareness about protection and conservation of Amur falcon, the world’s longest flying migratory bird, the Manipur forest authority also celebrates the Amur Falcon Festival in Tamenglong district.
