The Noney District Administration has announced a sweeping ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling migratory birds, including the Amur Falcon locally known as “Akhuaipuina,” following reports of rising threats to the species. The order comes under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which penalises the killing or possession of protected wildlife.

Acting on a request from the Divisional Forest Officer, the Additional District Magistrate issued prohibitory orders to curb illegal hunting within Noney and surrounding areas. The district has also enforced an immediate ban on all air guns, directing residents to deposit them with their respective village authorities.

Authorities noted that Amur Falcons have already begun arriving across the district and are expected to roost until the end of November, a critical phase in their migratory cycle. To ensure their safety, village authorities in Longmai, Raengkhung, Awangkhul, Taobam, Khongsang, Rengpang, Nungba, Kambiron, Khumji, Nagaching, Kabui-Khullen, Puichi, Bakwa, Haochong and other parts of Noney District have been instructed to keep the deposited air guns secured until the last flock departs or until 30 November 2025. Reports on the collection of air guns must be submitted to the district administration by 15 November.

The administration warned that anyone violating the prohibitory orders will face legal action under existing wildlife protection laws.