LAKKI MARWAT: The wildlife department of Bannu division has launched a crackdown on illegal crane hunters and removed the camps set up by them on the banks of Gambila, Kurram and Kashu rivers in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts.
With the start of crane season the hunting parties set up camps on the rivers’ sides which are considered the natural habitat of cranes. Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts are famous for having favourable natural habitat for Siberian cranes.
The hunting parties take the birds to hunting places/camps and keep them in cages. When these birds start crying those flying above come down after hearing the cries. Then the hunters try to catch the birds live by a traditional method the local people call ‘Saava’ or shoot them down.
“The action against hunters was taken after reports about their presence in the area,” said DFO wildlife, Bannu, Abdul Haleem Marwat. He said that the employees of wildlife department had been put on alert to stop illegal hunting of cranes.
Official says wildlife staff on alert to stop illegal hunting
He said that provincial environment secretary Nazar Hussain had issued strict directions to them to curb illegal hunting. “The wildlife employees with the help of police and other law enforcement agencies raided the places and removed all camps of hunters,” he said, adding that cranes were seized and the hunters fined. He said that the wildlife department would not allow crane hunting in the area.
Meanwhile, people here said that excessive hunting had brought cranes to the verge of extinction. They said that the local community would support the wildlife staff in their efforts to protect cranes.
WEAPONS SEIZED: Police on Thursday seized a big cache of arms and arrested two alleged smugglers.
An official said that following a tip-off a police party intercepted a suspected car near Serai Gambila on Indus Highway which was going to Punjab via Lakki Marwat and DI Khan.
During search the cops recovered weapons and ammunition from hidden cavities of the car, he said and added that the seizure included four AK-47 assault rifles, nine repeater guns, 36 pistols, 26 spare magazines and over 26,000 bullets.
The official said that the police also arrested two alleged smugglers, including Qudratullah and Sherwali, and impounded their car. He said that a case had been registered against the arrested men in Tajori police station.
Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2015
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