AIZAWL: Stating that wildlife protection is integral to environmental conservation, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan of the Supreme Court highlighted the relevance of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in addressing wildlife crimes associated with financial misconduct.
Addressing a workshop titled “Deterring Wildlife Crimes: Challenges and Opportunities” in Aizawl, Justice Bhuyan, as the chief guest, underscored the importance of incorporating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act into the PMLA Act.
The workshop, held under the aegis of the Mizoram State Legal Services Authority and biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, aimed to foster synergy among stakeholders, including the judiciary, to combat escalating wildlife crimes.
Justice Bhuyan raised concerns about organised wildlife crimes being among the four major criminal activities globally, alongside illegal drug trade, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
He noted a shift of criminal focus to wildlife crimes, driven by the lucrative nature of these activities and the desire to evade severe penalties associated with drug-related offenses.
Furthermore, he stressed the need for a wildlife forensic institution in Northeast, given the region’s rich biodiversity and susceptibility to wildlife crimes.
Justice Bhuyan highlighted the importance of enhancing intelligence gathering, capacity building, and the utilisation of forensic sciences to bolster wildlife crime investigation and conviction rates.
Addressing the workshop as the Guest of Honour, Justice Prasanna B Varale of the Supreme Court highlighted prescribed measures such as fast-track courts, reduced investigation delays, and public participation to enhance wildlife crime prevention and enforcement.
Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO, and Secretary-General of Aaranyak, highlighted the Northeast Region’s vulnerability to wildlife crimes due to its diverse wildlife and porous borders, making it a focus for global wildlife criminals.
Inspector General of Mizoram Police Lalbiakthanga Khiangte and senior Customs official Malsawmtluanga elaborated on the efforts by Mizoram Police and Customs Department in preventing wildlife crimes in the bordering state.
The workshop, attended by dignitaries including the Chief Secretary and DGP of Meghalaya, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Chief Wildlife Warden of Mizoram, and senior officials of Mizoram Police and Customs, aimed to address critical issues concerning wildlife conservation and enforcement.
