Tiger on the prowl in Mizoram

Aizawl, Apr 7 (UNI) Residents of Ailawng village have spotted a female tiger with cubs roaming in the nearby jungles since the past few weeks here, about 45 km south-west of Aizawl.

According to a source, the tiger was usually seen at about 15 KM away from the village.

Aizawl DFO Lalthangliana said, ''According to eyewitnesses, the tiger has three cubs. We will send a forester today who will acquire pooch marks and other necessary information''.

The village leaders have made appeal to the neighbouring villages and the people of the region not to do any harm to the tiger.

''We want to protect the tiger and its cubs. We will inform the authorities. We appeal everyone to ensure the safety of the animal'', village council president Lalrima said.

Meanwhile, a tiger has also been spotted near Haulawng village on the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Buangpui road which is under construction by World Bank. Labourers of the road construaction, as well as villagers, have seen the tiger since the past few weeks. It is not known if this is the same tiger spotted by Ailawng villagers.

UNI SNR TJP RN/DB1626