Sangai killers punished by RPF

Imphal, Febuary 05: As part of its drive to protect rare Sangai, cadres of RPF division VI punished two poachers by pumping a bullet each on the legs. Reiterating the RPF?s commitment to save the endangered species, secretary of the division said people need to realize the importance of safeguarding Sangai which has brought international recognition and fame to Manipur. Sternly warning that the outfit would mete out capital punishment if the crime is repeated, RPF cadres shot Salam Tomba of Keibul Makha Leikai and Ningthoujam Joykumar of Keibul Sagram in their legs for killing a Sangai and selling its meat on January 19. Striking a sentimental note on the rampant killing of the protected species the secretary deplored that people are still indulging in hunting Sangai instead of protecting the rare brow antlered deer which is on the verge of extinction. He also regretted that an injured Sangai perished on January 31 a day after being found in dire straits. The animal was found trapped and paralyzed due to the bitter cold among the phumdis. People in the periphery of Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao should take pride of the presence of Sangai, he said while reassuring that the party would always extent support to movements to protect wild life at the national park.