Ukhrul, Sept 21| EKHON: The Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL) has raised concern over a recent incident of pangolin hunting and consumption within Tangkhul Naga jurisdiction, calling for strict compliance with its 2024 resolution banning the practice.
The apex customary body said it had unanimously adopted a binding resolution on July 25, 2024, prohibiting the hunting, killing, capture, possession, consumption and trade of pangolins within Tangkhul jurisdiction.
In a statement, the TNAL said the recent incident was contrary to the intent of the resolution and urged individuals, households, Village Authorities and customary institutions to ensure its implementation “in letter and spirit”.
It called on community members to refrain from any activity involving pangolins and to discourage practices or beliefs that could encourage their exploitation. It also urged people to report cases of hunting, trapping, possession, consumption or trafficking to the concerned Village Authority, Forest Department or law-enforcement authorities.
The TNAL noted that pangolins are an important part of the forest ecosystem and are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It said their protection was not only a statutory obligation but also a customary responsibility of communities entrusted with safeguarding their natural heritage.
The customary body appealed to all Tangkhul households and institutions to uphold the 2024 resolution and collectively protect pangolins and other wildlife.
“Let no individual act in violation of what the community has collectively resolved,” the TNAL said, stressing that adherence to customary resolutions was a shared community responsibility.
