Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Tamenglong (DIPR): A consultative workshop focused on the protection of the migratory bird, the Amur Falcon (Akhuaipuina), was successfully organized by the Tamenglong Forest Division in collaboration with the District Administration, Tamenglong and the Rainforest Club at the UBC Hall, Tamenglong District Headquarters. The event saw the participation of key stakeholders, eight villages of roasting sites of migratory birds, environmental activists, town area villages authorities and local community members.
The workshop was graced by Shri. Lanmiyo Luikham, MPS, Superintendent of Police, Tamenglong. The event featured notable resource persons including Shri. Salam Rajesh, an environmental activist, Shri. Daniel Kamsuan, Advocate and Shri. Mordecai Panmei, Director of the Rainforest Club Tamenglong.
Divisional Forest Officer Shri. KH. Hitler Singh, who presided over the workshop, highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect the Amur Falcon, which began in 2015. He announced the upcoming Amur Festival scheduled for next month, aimed at raising awareness about the bird. However, he also raised concerns about the bird being perceived as a carrier of diseases, cautioning against its consumption by humans. He further mentioned that geo-tagging of two Amur Falcons would be conducted this year to monitor their migratory patterns. Two Akhuaipuinas named as ‘Tamenglong’ and ‘Manipur’ were geo tagged in the past years.
Shri. Lanmiyo Luikham who graced the workshop emphasized the community’s responsibility to protect the Amur Falcon, drawing a parallel to the local pride in safeguarding the Shirui Lily in Ukhrul. He urged the people of Tamenglong to take similar pride in protecting this migratory bird.
Environmental activist Salam Rajesh acknowledged the efforts of the Tamenglong community in protecting the Amur Falcon but pointed out that recognition for these efforts has often been attributed to Nagaland at the global stage. He called for greater collaboration among local villages to enhance protection measures.
Shri. Daniel Kamsuan underscored the legal responsibilities of Indian citizens regarding environmental protection, referencing Article 51- A(g) of the Indian Constitution. Indian representative has signed a memorandum at the world stage to protect the migratory birds. He warned that failure to protect wildlife could result in fines of up to ₹1 lakh and imprisonment for up to five years.
Mordecai Panmei highlighted the ecological significance of the Amur Falcon, noting that their arrival coincides with the harvest season. Since ancestral time, this bird is termed as Akhuaipuina or the Raruai (which is translated as Bird of the Evil). This bird is considering to bring a bountiful harvest as a result they had never kill and eat. The arrival of Amur Falcon at Nagaland was not so long ago but Nagaland has claimed the highest recognition at the world stage on the other hand, Tamenglong people has been protecting this bird since immemorial yet we are not recognized is due to our “lumbu lumbu” nature he added. He explained that these birds play a crucial role in controlling termite populations.
The workshop served as a vital platform for discussing strategies to enhance the protection of the Amur Falcon and foster greater awareness within the community about the significance of this migratory bird.
