IMPHAL: With the onset of winter, various types of migratory birds have started arriving at the lakes in Manipur. Apart from the small lakes and water holes here and there, Loktak Lake is the biggest fresh water lake in eastern India. Reports say that thousands of the winged friends come and stay at Tamenglong district where there are small lakes in between the mountains. Besides as the Barak River flows through this district the migratory birds feed on fish, insects found in the river. However, there is no proper Forest office in the district. The skeleton staff in the district cannot make their presence felt against the armed hunters. Hundreds of birds are shot down or caught using nets. Photographs appear in the local newspapers showing live birds on sale in the markets. Besides, smoked and fried birds are sold. A fried bird is sold at Rs 60 and people scramble for the tasty birds. It is estimated that during winter every year, over 100,000 birds are caught in this district alone. There had been reports with photographs showing that mountain goats and other endangered species are on sale in some other mountain districts. Besides deer are poached and the venison openly sold near forest offices and police stations. The officials parried reporters’ questions as to why they were not intervening at poaching of wild animals and free sale of meat. In absence of official actions there is nothing to restrain the hunters and poachers of all hues. The Forest officials and the Minister in charge of Forest and Wildlife are not available for comments on news reports and photographs showing fried migratory birds on sale. But then in the past they had not made even a perfunctory statement in this regard. About 40 years ago, thousands of migratory birds coming as far as from Siberia used to flock at the Loktak Lake. They start arriving from September and stay till March. Hundreds of villagers surrounding the lake earn hefty income every season by catching the birds. Teal is the tastiest migratory bird. About 50 years ago a teal was available as cheap as Rs 1.25 paisa. However, reports say that nowadays it is sold on the sly at Rs 250. This is because of the fact that youths’ organizations have launched a campaign to protect the wildlife and birds. One proscribed underground organization had also championed the cause of the wildlife. Besides, following the commissioning of the 105 MW Loktak hydroelectric project, heavy siltage and human disturbances, the number of the migratory birds had sharply fallen. There is fear that in a short time the migratory birds will stop coming to Manipur.