PHIDIM: Racketeers are found to be active in setting traps to kill wild animals in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in eastern Nepal.

In recent snares removal operation launched by Nepal Army in the protected area, 21 traps set to catch wild animals such as deer and musk deer were removed.

The traps were found in  Deuma, Mauwatar, Chayne and Tigu areas which lie at the elevation of  3500 meters and 400 meters from the sea level and have pasture lands for deer and musk deer, according to Major Rabi KC at Naya Ranavim Battalion of Nepal Army inTaplejung.

According to  KC, the snares were found more at these areas, adding that though Nepal Army is stationed at National Parks and other Conservation Areas in the country to stop poaching of wild animals, only sporadic supervision is carried out in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Taplejung District.

The search operation carried out by the Army with the name "Himal Darsan 2" was supported by Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, Ghanglung Consumer Committee and the locals.