TURA, April 10 - A man from Williamnagar has been accused of capturing, killing and then eating a hoolock gibbon (Huro) that was being protected by hundreds of families across four villages near here.
The shocking incident came to light recently after villagers failed to spot the gibbon for quite some time leading them to investigate its disappearance.
The killing of the gibbon, already on the endangered species list, has come as a shock to the four villages that took care of gibbons.
One Sengra T Sangma, a resident of Williamnagar and his accomplice had allegedly caught the gibbon more than a month ago, killed and ate the animal.
�We only came to know of the missing of our �Huro� a few days after when it did not make its usual cries. We searched everywhere but could not find it. We later discovered that it had been killed and eaten by Sengra and another accomplice. We are in deep shock as it has been under our care since a long time,� said Senithson D Shira, a resident of Dobetkolgre Terrace Gittim, Williamnagar.
The villages of Dawa Mronggittim, Daa Matchakol, New Dengagre and Dobetkolgre Terrace Gittim have been taking care of a group of more than 10 hoolock gibbons and the efforts are huge in maintaining them.
�We are all like family and everyone in the village cares for them. The species is already endangered and for poachers to kill them is absolutely devastating for us,� said Senithson.
ACF Terakchi Marak confirmed the investigation in to the killing. �The matter has been investigated and a report of the incident drawn up. The same has been submitted to Court on Friday and the two accused people appeared in Court�, said Marak.
