On receipt of specific information regarding the illegal sale of wildlife articles through a lottery/raffle at Headquarters Ground, Ukhrul, a team of the Ukhrul Forest Division conducted a swift raid at the location today,
During the operation, the Forest Department team successfully seized several wildlife articles which were being displayed and offered as lottery prizes The seized articles included protected wildlife species listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, namely:
1. Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos) – listed under Schedule I.
2. Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus) – listed under Schedule II.
Apart from the above, articles belonging to other bird species were also seized.
However, the persons allegedly involved in the illegal activity managed to flee from the spot, taking advantage of the crowd, and could not be apprehended during the operation.
In connection with the incident, a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) has been registered at Ukhrul Forest Division. The seized articles have been taken into custody following due procedure, and further investigation is underway to establish the facts, identify the persons involved and bring the offenders to justice.
The Ukhrul Forest Division reiterates that hunting, capturing, possessing, selling or trading in protected wild animals and their articles, except as permitted under the Act, is strictly prohibited under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 2022. Violations attract stringent legal action under the relevant provisions of the Act, including Sections 9 and 51 and will attract stringent legal action including imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and fine.
The Forest Department appeals to all Village Headmen, Village Authorities, Churches, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Students’ Unions/Youth Organisations, NGOs, to extend their cooperation in in curbing such illegal activities.
