Palin (Kra Daadi), Dec 22: Palin in Kra Daadi district of Arunachal Pradesh can now boast of a unique museum of air guns.
The museum was inaugurated on Saturday by Heri Maring, general secretary of the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Urban Minister, Balo Raja, MLA Jikke Tako and Kra Daadi Deputy Commissioner, Charu Nili.
A total of 116 air guns are currently on display in the museum. They were surrendered by the villagers of Kra Daadi district at the initiative of NES, the apex body of the Nyishi tribe.
Arunachal Pradesh has always been known for its unique flora and fauna. According to available government statistics, 79.33 per cent per of the total land mass of the state is under green cover. The rich biodiversity and wildlife have always been a major attraction for visitors from all across the globe.
However, due to rampant hunting by villagers across the state, the populations of various species of birds and animals, which also include many endangered species, have dwindled over the years.
Taking note of the issue, the NES along with the Kra Daadi district administration appealed to the villagers to surrender their air guns, which they had been using for hunting purposes.
As part of this initiative and massive awareness campaign to put a total ban on hunting, villagers came forward to willingly surrender their arms.
Meanwhile, a mass awareness programme of NES on protection of wildlife and preservation of natural resources was also organised as part of the occasion. It was attended by office bearers of NES, Gaon Buras (village headmen), heads of various government departments, public leaders and gaon panchayat representatives.
Takam Tapum, the first person to have surrendered his air gun in the district, was felicitated by NES during the programme. Tassar Tare, Gaon Bura of Tassar village was also felicitated for surrendering maximum air guns, which he had collected from the villagers.
