IMPHAL, Mar 2 : Despite a great hue and cry to protect wildlife in Manipur, transborder smuggling of animal parts is unabated in the state with unarmed forest guards helpless to take on miscreants inside thick jungles.
Sources in Manipur forest department said the government had unarmed the department way back in 1979 after rebels looted rifles from the Imphal forest office.
According to wildlife experts, it is very difficult for forest personnel to enter the forests as they can be mistaken for army or police personnel by rebels.
Principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) S Singsit said it was not feasible for forest guards to patrol the jungles with arms owing to the grave law and order situation in the state.
"Since our rangers and forest guards are unarmed, they are not in a position to confront any illegal activities," said Singsit. He added that lack of manpower is plaguing the department with over 100 posts lying vacant.
He added that 72 range and 53 beat offices spread over the state were not being able to function effectively because of lack of manpower.
"In spite of all these hurdles, we are doing our best to protect wildlife," Singsit said. He added that the department organizes awareness campaigns frequently and forest guards keep strict vigil round-the-clock.
Recently, Assam Rifles personnel seized a huge consignment of animal parts at Bongyang post in Chandel district bordering Myanmar.
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