Lawngtlai, February 1, 2026: Two persons were arrested for illegal hunting in the Tuiphal area of Lawngtlai after forest staff recovered firearms and a large number of protected birds, officials said.
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| Air rifles and protected wildlife seized by forest officials during an anti-poaching operation in Lawngtlai, leading to the arrest of two persons for illegal hunting. |
Personnel of the Ngengpui Wildlife Range intercepted the suspects on January 31 during routine duty in the Tuiphal forest area. The team seized two air rifles along with birds and animals that had been hunted.
The accused were identified as Laltlanzuala of Bethel Veng and Lalbiakliana of Vengpui, both residents of Lawngtlai. A criminal complaint was filed against them on February 1, and they were produced before the CJM Court Lawngtlai. They were later remanded to District Jail Lawngtlai.
Officials said the seized wildlife included three birds listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 33 birds under Schedule II, and five thehlei (Schedule II).
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Under the law, killing or possessing Schedule I species attracts stringent punishment, including a minimum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than ₹25,000.
Forest officials reiterated that enforcement against wildlife crimes will continue strictly and urged the public to cooperate in protecting wildlife and forest resources.
