Python meat on sale for Rs 1000/kg at Simlung market

A Correspondent

Agartala: Despite being under the protective cover of the Forest Act, rare and endangered species of animals and reptiles are no longer safe in the hilly areas of Tripura as python and other endangered animals meat are being sold openly in the markets situated in the terrains of Jampui Hills.

On Saturday, a local man was seen selling meat of six big-size pythons weighing 150 kg at Simlung market and people were procuring the mea at a cost of Rs 1,000 per kg.

It is learnt that Simlung, at the foothills of Jampui, is no exception as selling of meat of rare reptiles, wild birds and animals like deer, wild hen, pigs and different kind of birds are a common scene in markets like Banglabari, Sabual, Khedachera, etc., spread over the terrains.

There are several forest range and beat offices of the Forest department in the area but they turn a blind eye and never take steps against such unlawful acts.

Hwn contacted, the Ranger of Kanchanpur Forest Range Bibrata Marak seemed reluctant to take any action and avoided the matter saying that the local beat office has not send any report to him in this regard. However, the Sub-divisional Forest Officer Suman Das admitted that he has got the report and said a team of officials will visit Simlung and action will be taken against the offenders.

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