Need for collaborative efforts to curb wildlife crimes deliberated

IMPHAL, Sep 26
Flagging the ever increasing graph of wildlife crime especially wildlife trafficking in India as well in the global level, the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur and Patron-in-Chief, Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), Justice P V Sanjay Kumar today underlined sustained collaboration among all the stakeholders including various Government agencies and forces in the State and Central level.
Addressing a workshop on “Wildlife crime prevention – challenges, solutions and role of stake holders” in the auditorium of High Court of Manipur today, the Chief Justice  maintained that wildlife crime has become the fourth largest global crime.
A press release by MASLSA informed that the workshop was organised by MASLSA in collaboration with research-based biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak.
He further stated that dealing with wildlife crimes also require probing its link to narco-terrorism and arms smuggling.
He also highlighted the need for holding training sessions, awareness workshops for forest, police, judiciary and other Government agencies for effective tackling of wildlife crimes through synergised efforts in India.
Justice M V Muralidaran, Judge, High Court of Manipur and Executive Chairman of MASLSA, called for serious introspection on part of all concerned agencies on low reporting of wildlife crime in Manipur and delay in conviction.
He said that as a global citizen it is the duty of every citizen to strive for protection of wildlife which is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He further raised the alarm that India has become a source, destination and major trafficking route for illegal wildlife trade.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Conservator of Forest, Manipur, Longjam Joykumar stressed on the need for massive awareness among all stakeholders and strict enforcement of the WL (Protection) Act for prevention of wildlife crimes.
P. Doungel, Director General of Manipur Police, in his address said that it is the human greed that has led to proliferation of wildlife crimes in Manipur because of its proximity to the international border.
He emphasized the importance of making synergised efforts among various agencies including police, forest department, Assam Rifles, Customs, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau etc. to protect the wildlife and prevent wildlife crimes.
Judicial officers, police and forest officers, customs and DRI officials, Assam Rifles officials, the WCCB and NGO members also attended the workshop.