Mizo animal lover threatens to sacrifice life for safety of animals

Aizawl, Feb 18 (UNI) Mizo animal lover New World Laldingliana swore on sacrificing his life for the safety of the animals in the state, on the eve of Chapchar Kut, the biggest Mizo festival scheduled next month.

Strongly objecting to the Mizo traditional ''Sechhun'' (spearing of animals), Mr Laldingliana said he would rather sacrifice his own life than let an innocent animal be killed in the "Chapchar Kut".

''Even though 'Sechhun' is a traditional practice among the Mizos, there is no need for such a brutal practices in this modern world where animal rights are highly protected,'' Mr Laldingliana, who is the chief of Association for Environment Preservation (ASEP) in Mizoram, said.

'Sechhun' goes against the provisions of Section 11 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, IPC and The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, he said, adding that he is willing to offer his own life instead of teh 'unfortunate' animals.

In Mizo society, a chief or a respectable citizen, organises the "Sechhun", where an animal is bound by ropes and speared till death.

The animal would first be chased by spearmen and finally shot with a gun. It will then be prepared for a community feast or Khuangchawi, believed to be a symbol of high social status.

Three years ago, Mr Laldingliana made world news when he wrote an extraordinary will to leave his body in the jungle for the animals to feast after his death.

He has a mini-sanctuary in his Kawlkulh village, with trees planted for birds and animals.

UNI