Hunter Quits Hunting, Earns Praise

Aizawl, Aug 20 : A hunter bidding farewell to hunting today earned kudos from Mizoram Environment and Forest Minister H Rohluna, who felt that the awareness to protect wildlife was on the rise.

Interacting with mediapersons, Mr Rohluna said he welcomed the act of the seasoned hunter, M C Zathuama of South Lungpher village in southern Mizoram, who has given up his 20-year-long trade of hunting and vowed not to harm animals anymore.

''Mizoram's dense forest was home to different species of animals. Most of that animals have either disappeared or endangered. There has been an awakening on the need to protect the wildlife which is truly appreciating,'' Mr Rohluna added.

''The man made a solemn pledge before the minister and the gathering of forest officials to never harm animals again and to do whatever he could to protect wildlife,'' official sources said.

Wildlife activists said there had been a growing awareness on environment and wildlife protection among the general masses in Mizoram during the past decade.

Association for Environment Protection (ASEP) president K Lalmuansang said today, ''There has been significant awakening in wildlife protection, particularly in the villages. Many villages have announced prohibition of poaching in their respective jurisdictions.'' He informed that a good number of hunters in villages had given up hunting and even village boys had abandoned the age-old tradition of bird hunting.

''We have been trying to educate the public about afforestation and wildlife conservation,'' a forest official said.

The Young Mizo Association (YMA), the state's largest and most influential organisation, has also been playing a very important role in educating the public about wildlife and environment conservation.

YMA branches, spread across the state, were spearheading the awareness campaigns in their respective jurisdictions.

''Gone were the days when killing as many wild animals as possible was a symbol of status in Mizo society. If this positive trend continues, Mizoram could reclaim its rich flora and fauna,'' the ASEP president said.