DC Mokokchung notifies ban on trading, hunting of wild animals, birds 

DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji has, in an order dated Oct. 18, notified that all the villages and towns under Mokokchung district shall strictly implement the ban on trade and hunting of wild animals and birds.

The order stated that the Government of Nagaland adopted the wildlife protection Act1972 with effect from December 18, 1981, under which the hunting of wild animals and birds within the territorial jurisdiction of Nagaland is strictly prohibited.

It stated that under the said Act, the only exception is vermin (certain species of rats) or when permission to hunt is accorded under provisions and reasons specified in the Act. Other than which, there are no exceptions either in terms of time or species.

The order further informed that Amur falcons are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. As such, hunting, trapping, killing or selling of Amur Falcons for food or possession or otherwise is a criminal offence, punishable with upto three years of rigorous imprisonment or with INR 25,000 fine or both under Section 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

It went on to state that appropriate necessary action shall be initiated against any individual or groups found hunting, trapping, killing or selling of Amur falcons for food or possession otherwise.

In compliance with the government’s directives and in the interest of protecting and conserving the wildlife population of the district, the DC ordered all the villages and towns under Mokokchung district to strictly implement the ban on trade and hunting of wild animals and birds in areas under their jurisdiction;

“Any person/group of persons acting in violation of the above directives shall be liable to be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” the order added.