DIMAPUR, JANUARY 20 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today expressed concern at the forest fire which broke out at Shirui Peak in Shirui village, Ukhrul district on January 17.
It further cautioned against “recklessness and selfishness” which may lead to such incidents.
A press release issued by the NSCN (IM)’s Ministry of Forest & Environment urged local village authorities to come up with precautionary measures to prevent burning down of jungle and forest.
“The world watched in horror when Amazon, the world’s most biodiverse rainforest was burnt down. It not only destroyed millions of animals but destroyed ecosystem and pumped climate warming pollution into the atmosphere. The fire was lit by farmers. It was decried as a world tragedy. This was followed by Australia bushfires that destroyed wildlife. The cause of the fire was blamed to arson, carelessness or recklessness,” the NSCN (IM) claimed.
The NSCN (IM) said that the Shirui peak, where the famous Shirui Lily grows, is known for its scenic beauty and rich fauna and flora.
“There is a standing order of GPRN which banned the burning of forest, using of chemicals in the rivers and hunting wild animals, especially during the breeding season,” it stated, and further alleged that the cause of the fire “must be the handiwork of local miscreants.”
The NSCN (IM) meanwhile said that the “the burnt ashes are eaten by the migratory bird, locally called ‘Shiri’. When the birds get thirsty, they rush down to drink water from the stream that flow below. This is where the locals set the trap to catch the birds. These birds migrate from Siberia every year during this time of the year”.
It expressed concern that the fire has burnt down Shirui Lily seedlings and saplings, besides damaging another species of plants called ‘Summer Flower’ that bloom in the months of June and July.
