Our correspondent
IMPHAL, June 18
Not only do humans suffer during war and conflict, the same is for animals. Cursed with less intelligence, animals are often abandoned, shocked, frightened, starved, stressed, and left ill.
Due to the ongoing armed conflict in and around Lamkang Naga tribe-inhabited Paraolon village in Chandel district bordering Myanmar, villagers left their homes in fear leaving behind their domesticated animals and pets.
Pets are known for their loyalty and sacrifice for their master in tough times. In view of the development, the People for Animals (PFA) in association with Dr Devkishore and staffs from Claws and Paws Veterinary Clinic of Imphal conducted a rescue operation of the distressed animals of Paraolon and adjoining villages on June 16 with the assistance of Assam Rifles and Tengnoupal Police. The joint rescue team recovered dogs and cats from the villages. “The village was dead silent when the joint team reached Paraolon village at noon. Nothing was seen except the locked houses. Only the faint creaking sound of insects from the trees could be heard. PFA members burned some pieces of fermented fish so that the starving pets could be attracted by the smell,” said Managing Trustee L Biswajeet Meitei of PFA Manipur.“We wait patiently. After some time, we heard a meow of a cat behind a house. PFA experts collected the cat for medical check-up and provided food. Due to the commotion many groups of domestic fowl along with their chicks came to us. Gradually, more animals appeared. Braving the seasonal drizzling, the team rescued them. We fed the starving chickens. The chickens ate the seeds as if they had never eaten anything since their birth,” Biswajeet said.
“Meanwhile, a group of mithun (domesticated guar cattle) marched towards us. The giant animals came along by sniffing. We knew they were also coming to look for their owners. They sniffed our hands and left the place. They are missing their masters”, Biswajeet felt.
“As the rescue operation continued some cats were found trapped inside the houses. We let them free”, he added.
A very shocking scene was of a maggot-infested kitten lying dead on a bed in one of the houses. The starving mother may have failed to suckle it. A lone dog was found guarding his master’s house. ‘We then left some food in the hope that it could help the animals left behind,” Biswajeet also said.
“On our way home we met the village chief who was coming to access the situation of this village with the support of district administration and civil societies. We discussed about the welfare of the animals and their future plans. PFA and Claws and Paws are giving care and medical support to the animals. Most of them are unhealthy and weak. Doctors are worried as infection or illness can’t be ruled out,” Biswajeet added.
The rescued animals will be handed over to the owners once they are fit and the villagers/masters return back to their houses, PFA functionary informed.
The PFA has appealed to all in concern to stop violence and to promote peace. They also appealed to the villagers to return to their respective homes.
The risky rescue operation was possible only with the help of various animal lovers and agencies. Sub Registrar of Imphal West T Phulen Meitei donated a sum of Rs 3000 and Arvind Potsangbam, franchise owner/ centre head of LifeCell International Pvt Ltd donated a sum of Rs 1000. One O.Tikendrajit of Mayang Imphal Chirai lent a jeep for the rescue operations. Arun, director of State Zoological garden lent cages for transportation. The PFA of Manipur and Claws and Paws have expressed gratitude to Assam Rifles, Tengnoupal police, and animal lovers.
