Pangolin shell seizure near Moreh

IMPHAL: Assam Rifles personnel have seized 65 kg pangolin shells from three tribal youths in the Khudengtabi area close to Manipur's Moreh town bordering Myanmar. Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal transportation of wildlife parts, troops of 31 Battalion Assam Rifles launched an operation in the Khudengthabi area and apprehended three individuals along with the pangolin shells from a Moreh-bound bus on Saturday afternoon. The personnel also found a cash amount of Rs 3,760 from the trio identified as - Lulen Paithe, 22, Angam Guite, 25, and Mamang Kuki, 25, an Assam Rifles statement said and added that they were handed over to the Manipur forest department officials in Imphal. Over the years, Assam Rifles troops have seized a large quantity of rare animal parts, including tiger bones and skulls, from Chandel district, which shares border with Myanmar. In a separate incident, troopers from 29th battalion Assam Rifles launched an operation at Sita track junction in Chandel and apprehended two UNLF cadres and a youth from a van. tnn The three persons were handed over to Imphal West Police station, the statement added.