Migratory Amur Falcons massacred in Manipur: Report

Imphal: Migratory Amur Falcons are reportedly being killed in large numbers by hunters in Tamenglong district of Manipur.

Amur Falcons came from eastern Siberia near the North East China area. On their way of migration to East Africa, the birds arrived at the Northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland and some parts of Assam and to rest for at least a month till November.

According to sources, the migrating birds have started coming to Tamenglong, Manipur, and its contagious areas including Nagaland and Assam since the past one week.

Even as Nagaland has taken up steps to protect and preserve the migratory birds, Manipur state government has not done anything in this regard. Hence they are being slaughtered in thousands by hunters for their meat.

Last year, the market value of the bird is about Rs 50 fr a live one. The killed and dried ones are also sold at different prices.

Some writes have expressed their views on the killing of Amur Falcons, but until now, there is no organisation or authority that is concerned about the safeguard these birds.