The Kanpetlet People’s Administration has warned that it will take action against anyone cutting trees or picking rare wild flowers in Khaw Num Cung National Park (also called Mount Victoria) and in other reserves in Kanpetlet Township, southern Chin State.
“Many people search for flowers when they bloom, and they cut trees in the national park. We need to protect it and we have released a statement (October 21) regarding its conservation,” said U Nai Cua, the administration’s secretary, in an interview with Khonumthung News.
Smuggling of forest products from national parks has increased since the military coup introduced more lawlessness in the township.
“We will seize all forest products if we find them at checkpoints and will take action against the violators who smuggle these items,” he stated, without providing details on how. To date, no one has been caught with these items.
After many villagers living near the park and other sites foraged the forests for things to sell, the Kanpetlet People’s Administration decided to put an end to the destruction of these conservation areas during a town hall meeting.
Nai Cua said that officers working near the park were immediately given orders to crack down on the smuggling.
In 2012, Khaw Num Cung National Park was recognized as an ASEAN heritage park.