Air-guns banned in Noney till November end

Imphal: Noney district magistrate has issued an order to ban on all the air-guns in the district and to deposit the same with their respective village authorities.

The order was issued on Wednesday by Sharath Chandra Arroju, district magistrate, Noney following a letter from the Divisional Forests Officer to the magistrate for issuing prohibitory orders for hunting of the migratory birds and surrendering of air guns within the jurisdiction of Noney district.

The order mentioned that hunting, killing and destruction of wildlife including migratory birds such as Amur Falcon (Falco Amurenis), locally known as “Akhuaipuina” in any way for consumption or possession or otherwise is a punishable offence under Section 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

In pursuance of the Forest officer letter and in order to curb the illegal activities, the district magistrate ordered a total ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the migratory birds including Amur Falcons “Akhuaipuina” by anyone in the district and nearby surrounding areas with immediate effect.

‘As these migratory birds have already arrived in many parts the District and in the last few days and are likely to roost till the end of November, and as this period is considered crucial in the life cycle of Amur Falcons’, the district magistrate, ordered ban on all the air-guns in the district and order to deposit the same with their respective village authorities.

The concerned village authority of Longmai, Raengkhung, Awangkhul, Taobam, Khongsang, Rengpang, Nungba, Kambiron, Khumji, Nagaching, Kabui-Khullen, Puichi, Bakwa, Haochong and other areas within Noney district have been ordered to keep the air guns deposited in their custody until the last flock leaves their roosting place or till November 30.

“Report of the collection of airguns shall be submitted to this Office by 25th October, 2024,” the order said.

“Anyone found willfully violating these prohibitory orders is liable to face consequence as per the law of the land.”

Noney police superintendent has been requested to detail police personnel to conduct search at market and on roads for anyone violating the order.

The Divisional Forests Officer was also advised to detail Forests Guards under one responsible officer to the site where the migratory birds gather and submit daily report to the Manipur chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) with a copy marked to the magistrate.