7 persons arrested for forest destruction in Manipur

Imphal: Manipur Police arrested seven persons including a village chief in connection with setting of fire and cutting down tree at Kongba Maru Laipham Ching (hill).

Chief minister N. Biren Singh  posted on social media that two persons identified themselves as Dongkhomang Khongsai, 30, of P.Khonomphai village and Sasang Khongsai, 27, of P. Khonomphai for setting fire. Thereafter, as per their disclosure and on further search around Kongba Maru hill, police team found two persons who were cutting trees at the top of the hill range.

They identified themselves as Thokchom Tomba Singh, 54, of Sanjenlok Village and Thokchom Bihari Meitei, 54, of Yumnam Khunou awang Leikai. On returning, the combined team again found another two persons who were also setting fire at the same hill range. They identified themselves as Paomang Haokip, 62, of P.Khonomphai and Thangpao Haokip, 48,  of P.Khonomphai.

They disclosed that they set fire and cut trees under the instruction of one Henpao Haokip, 57, chief of S.D. Molnom village , at present residing at Mahabali area, Imphal East. Accordingly, the village chief was also picked up from his house at Mahabali area and arrested. A case has been registered against the seven persons under relevant sections, the chief minister wrote.