Bishnupur (Manipur), Jan 29 (Waari Singbul Network): Arambai Tenggol (AT), known for playing a key role for safeguarding Manipur valley from armed aggression in the ongoing ethnic strife between the Kuki-Zo and Meiteis, recently diverted its focus to wildlife conservation with a three-day anti-poaching operation at Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) in Bishnupur district.

Collaborating with Manipur forest department officials, AT Unit No. 7 played a pivotal role in this initiative, retrieving over 200 animal trapping nets and rescuing four hog deers, an endangered species categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

During the operation, Commander of AT unit 7, Ajoy Salam, also known as Kangla, disclosed that nine carcasses of rare and endangered animals were discovered.

The park, spanning 40 square km, not only shelters the hog deer, locally known as Kharsa, but is also the habitat of the Sangai, or Brow Antlered Deer, also under Schedule I protection.

The decision to undertake this wildlife conservation endeavor represents a notable departure for AT, which traditionally focuses on protecting villages in the Manipur valley from perceived external threats, particularly those posed by “Kuki-Narco terrorists.”

Forest Officer Bidyachandra lauded AT’s involvement in the anti-poaching campaign at KLNP and appealed to local residents to actively contribute to the preservation of these rare animals.

The initiative stemmed from a distress call received by AT from the park’s forest staff reporting extensive poaching of Kharsa. The forest staff, upon entering the park, encountered armed poachers instructing them to leave. In response, around 40 Arambai members joined forces with ten forest staff to investigate. Four trapped Kharsas were discovered, with three successfully rescued and one unfortunately found dead.

Additionally, the operation led to the recovery of over 200 animal trapping nets scattered across KLNP.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Ajoy reported that eight decomposed carcasses were found during the operation. One deer carcass was transported to the Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroisemba in Imphal for post-mortem analysis.

Despite the challenges faced during the operation, AT’s commitment to wildlife conservation remained steadfast. Notably, during the second day of the drive, another hog deer was rescued as poachers fled the scene.

However, a disturbing incident unfolded as poachers seized a mother hog deer after killing its fawn. This unfortunate event underscores the urgency and importance of anti-poaching efforts at KLNP.

Arambai Tenggol’s transition from defending villages against armed aggression to actively participating in wildlife conservation at Keibul Lamjao National Park demonstrates a welcome change of attitude to safeguarding not only Meiteis communities but also the diverse and endangered species inhabiting the region.

The success of their anti-poaching drive, rescuing hog deers and uncovering the grim reality of animal carcasses, underscores the urgency of collective efforts in preserving our precious wildlife.

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