Manipur bans hunting of Amur Falcons, enforces air gun deposit in Noney

Imphal: Residents of 16 villages in Manipur’s Noney district have been ordered to deposit their air guns by November 15, as the district administration has imposed a total ban on hunting, killing, catching, or possession of migratory birds, including the Amur Falcon.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Stiff Khapudang issued the order on Monday, announcing a complete ban on hunting, catching, killing, and selling of migratory birds such as the Amur Falcon (locally known as “Akhuaipuina”) within the district and its surrounding areas with immediate effect.

The order stated that hunting, killing, or destruction of wildlife, including migratory birds like the Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis), for consumption, possession, or any other purpose, is a punishable offence under Sections 50 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

It further directed a ban on the use of air guns in the district and instructed residents to deposit their weapons with their respective village authorities.

According to the order, the concerned village authorities listed therein must keep the deposited air guns in their custody until the last flock of migratory birds leaves their roosting sites or until November 30, 2025, whichever is earlier.

The affected villages include Longmai, Raengkhung, Awangkhul, Taobam, Khongsang, Rengpang, Nungba, Kambiron, Khumji, Nagaching, Kabui Khullen, Puichi, Bakwa, Haochong, and other nearby areas within the Noney district.

The ADM also directed that a report on the collection of air guns be submitted to his office by November 15, 2025.

The order warned that anyone found willfully violating these prohibitory measures would face strict legal action in accordance with the law.