Santhals opt to violate Wildlife (Protection) Act

Baripada, Apr 27 (UNI) The Santhal tribals of Mayurbhanj have decided to go for mass hunting exercises notwithstanding Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibiting hunting of any wild animal.

Any person found guilty of an offence against the Act, shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to Rs 25,000 or with both.

Sources today said the tribal hunter groups had threatened the forest officials to exercise restraint, while preventing them during shikar rituals, or else, they (shikaris) would retaliate against any oppressive measures designed to stop 'the shikar'.

The threat had come in the form of writings on the stone walls of the Simlipal Hill Forest department officials said.

UNI XC DP LL SW AS1736