Mizo youth held for killing python

Aizawl, July 20 (IANS) Forest officials in Mizoram have arrested a Mizo youth for killing a python and burning it in a market near the state capital city Aizawl, officials said Sunday.

"Lalramliana killed a 13-foot long python near Darkhuang river (near here) and brought it to the Falkawn village market (on the outskirts of Aizawl city) before burning it publicly Friday," a forest official said.

After getting information from people, forest officials rushed to the market and arrested Lalramliana.

He was booked under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and subsequently, presented in a court which sent him to three days' custody.

Mizos consider the gall bladder (bile) of a python has medicinal values. They use it to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and cholera.

Python meat is also consumed during pregnancy to ensure healthy birth of a baby.

Smuggling of pangolin scales is also rampant in Mizoram, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh.

According to the wildlife and forest officials, endangered pangolin scales are used for making costly garments, medicines and for other purposes in south Asian countries.