Task force to catch Manipur’s mysterious 'predator'

Our Correspondent Imphal, Nov. 29 (EMN): Manipur’s Forest minister Th Shyamkumar on Thursday announced a task force to catch the unknown predator responsible for the mysterious killings of many livestock in the past few days in Manipur. Speaking to reporters on the sideline of an event on Thursday, Shyamkumar said the “well-equipped team” will bait livestock such as duck, goat, pig, and chicken -- primarily targeted by the predator at the foothills of various secure locations -- to catch the predator with the help of cameras. Stating that the government cannot make the plans public yet, the minister was hopeful the department concerned would be able to confirm the details within a day or two after consultation with “animal experts of the country.” He also appealed to stop the reported hunting of civet cats ‘in many areas,’ in view of the recent incidents. The steps have been taken after the mysterious killings of livestock particularly chickens, goat and pigs in the night was reported from four districts of Manipur. The first report came from Churachandpur district headquarters, 65 km south of Imphal on Nov. 6. After a gap of about 10 days, killing of livestock was reported in the hill town after the residents recovered carcasses of their chicken and sheep with internal organs dismembered. Similar incidents were also reported in the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East and Kakching on Monday. The residents recovered carcasses of their ducks and goats without their internal organs. The latest incident was reported from Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Imphal East and Thoubal district on Thursday morning. However, there is no report of attack on human beings so far. Stating that the department is taking the matter seriously, the Manipur Forest department along with the officials of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department and Wildlife experts have been conducting meetings over the incident since Wednesday. On Wednesday, the Forest minister while speaking to media had informed that preliminary report suggests the predator could be a canine. He assured there was no need for the public to panic.