Imphal: A team of the Assam Rifles foiled an alleged timber smuggling attempt in the general area of Nungshong of Ukhrul District, Manipur.
As per a statement, the Assam Rifles troops intercepted three trucks loaded with illegal timber in the general area of Nungshong bridge evaluated to be worth Rs 1.12 crores, a defence statement said on Friday.
The seized timbers along with apprehended smugglers and vehicles were handed over to Forest Beat Officer, Ukhrul for further legal action.
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Meanwhile, Civil Social Organisations – all clubs and organizations in the Wangoi Assembly constituency announced launching a special drive to ban and check illegal transport of timber/wooden beams on the Mayai Lambi state highway connecting Imphal to Mayang Imphal, said local MLA Khuraijam Loken.
Based on reports of timber/wooden beam-laden trucks plying the Mayai Lambi in the dead of the night, the drive is being carried out with the aim of conserving forests and the environment, he added.
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At his official residence at Babupara, Imphal, the Wangoi AC MLA said forest cover in the State has been reduced significantly as a result of increasing deforestation and other human activities in the hills.