Newmai News Network Imphal | December 3 Experts from Wildlife Institute of India based in Dehradun, after arriving in Imphal, have started investigating into the mystery killings of domestic animals in Manipur. The experts including wildlife forensic scientist Dr Gopi GV and Aisho Sharma Adhikarimayum (camera track expert) arrived on Sunday. It can also be mentioned here that Dr M Vikramjit Sharma and Dr N Sharmila from the same institute were already helping officials of Manipur Forest department in the investigation by collecting footprint samples of suspected predators and sending them to Dehradun. A large number of domestic animals including two cows have been killed reportedly by the unknown predators. It all began in south district of Churachandpur in October, and now the killings of domestic animals have spread to various districts including Kangpokpi, Kakching, Imphal East and Imphal West. Meanwhile, Manipur Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today appealed to the general public to refrain from hunting or harming the animals and creating panic among the people without ascertaining the facts of the unknown predators which are assumed to be responsible for killing domestic livestock at various locations in the State. Addressing the media persons, Minister Shyamkumar said that experts from Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun have already begun their work soon after their arrival, assured that facts will be out at the earliest as cameras have been installed at various strategic locations. He said in the meantime, attacking “innocent wildlife animals” was unfortunate and appealed the public to stop killing animals. He said the task force teams consisting of Manipur Forest Department, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department and various organizations have laid traps at various locations and have been able to catch animals like dog and leopard cat. The Forest Minister also appealed to the public not to spread rumors and create unnecessary panic among the people by sharing fake news/pictures/videos in the social media. He expressed regret and said that it was unfortunate that some people burnt fire to scare animals, threatening the forest and wildlife of the State. He also said that the department has already opened control rooms for various districts where anyone can report in case of sighting of the unknown predators as task force teams are working round the clock.
