Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary Affected Villages (ZWSAV) have reiterated its stance against the no such wildlife and forest should be declared in their region and not an inch of the land would be given for a wildlife sanctuary.

According to a statement issued by ZWSAV secretary Loveson Kamei, an awareness programme was organised in all affected villages in Tamenglong district from July 16 to 20 under the theme "No to Wildlife Sanctuary".

The ZWSAV team led by convenor Gaikhangkhuan Kamei appreciated the villages for their hospitality and cooperation they have extended and the realisation of awareness given to them.

The team interacted with the stakeholders and gave awareness on how the state government of Manipur and government of India have been violating the indigenous tribal rights to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), it stated

The team highlighted that the tribal people have every right to protect wildlife and have been protecting the wildlife since time immemorial, while emphasising on the need to promote environmental awareness in the region.

While interacting with the stakeholders from different affected villages, the affected villages maintained that they are the indigenous tribal people and owner of their own land who are dependent only on the forest and its produce for sustaining their livelihood, supporting education of their children and as a source of income, it stated.

They also claimed that no such wildlife and forest should be declared in their region and not an inch of the land would be given for a wildlife sanctuary, it added.