Workshop on ‘Deterring Wildlife Crimes: Challenges and Opportunities’ by Mizoram State Legal Services Authority and Aaranyak organized

A Workshop on ‘Deterring Wildlife Crimes: Challenges and Opportunities’ held at Conference Hall, Gauhati High Court, Aizawl Bench, MINECO, Aizawl, organized by Mizoram State Legal Services Authority and Aaranyak was inaugurated by Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judge, Supreme Court of India as the Chief Guest along with Mr. Justice Prasanna B. Varale, Judge, Supreme Court of as the Guest of Honour. The Chief guest, Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan made a keynote addess on the function where he states the importance of wildlife conservation, being under the umbrella term of Environmental Protection. He noted that The Indian Constitution, recognizing the importance of its wildlife has put various articles in place related to its conservation and protection. He remarked on the beauty of the rich biodiversity of India, housing many rare and endangered species not found elsewhere in other parts of the world, adding that one adverse effect this has created is that it has made India a hotspot poaching ground. As such, he remarked, apart from the existing environment and wildlife protection acts, a centralized crime data bank and a wildlife forensic institute is the need of the hour for deterring future crimes.

Linking the relation between Wildlife crimes and Prevention of Money Laundering Act,2002 (PMLA), he noted that a key section under PMLA includes wildlife crimes and as such, any property accrued under wildlife is therefore directly a crime under PMLA. He stressed on the need for awareness and education among the public and all the stakeholders and hopes that the workshop session will be beneficial for the creation of such an environment. In an address made by the Guest of Honour, Mr. Justice Prasanna B. Varale, he praised the efforts made by Aaranyak and expressed his pleasure at the Mizoram SLSA for organising such an event. He too remarked on the importance of deterring wildlife crimes and improving biodiversity. He noted that the Supreme Court, in recognition to this has recently recognized “right to be free from adverse effects of climate change” under Articles 14 and 21 of The Indian Constitution.

Felicitation of dignitaries launched the session followed by a welcome address from Mr. Justice Michael Zothankhuma, Judge, Gauhati High Court & Executive Chairman, Mizoram SLSA. Presentations from Mizoram police by Lalbiakthanga Khiangte and Malsawmtluanga, IRS (Customs) regarding crime statistics, seizures, modus operandi of smugglers and the challenges and difficulties of prevention of wildlife crimes were screened. An address from Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General and CEO, Aaranyak followed where he spoke of the need to sensitize all section of people regarding the threat of poaching for human life. A vote of Thanks from Justice Nelson Sailo, Judge, Gauhati High Court & Chairman, HCLSC concluded the inaugural session.

A technical session followed where presentations from Mr. Ajoy Das, Advocate, Gauhati High Court and Mr Agni Mitra, Field Director, Dampa Tiger Reserve were screened. A follow up interactive session, moderated by Mrs. Helen Dawngliani, Secretary, Law&Judicial Dept. GOM concluded the technical session. Various dignitaries such as Mrs. Justice Marli Vankung; Dr. Renu Sharma, Chief Secretary, Mizoram; Mr. Anil Shukla, DGP, Mizoram and Mr. Ashok Kumar, PCCF, EF&CC as well as invitees from various departments attended the workshop.