Bishnupur Forest Division on Friday arrested one poacher along with a gun from Jawa Lamjao located to the north of the Loktak Lake at around 7 am.
The poacher has been identified as Moirangmayum Nasir Khan (37), son of Tomba of Paobitek Mayai Leikai and he reportedly killed a kharsa which is enlisted under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
A single barrel gun with three live rounds and Rs 2000 in cash were also seized from his possession.
Speaking to the media, DFO of Bishnupur Forest Division, Rebika Soibam, said that they launched a search operation on receiving credible information about a group of armed poachers heading towards Jawa Lamjao.
She said that they managed to arrest one poacher after encircling him from different directions - Mayang Imphal, Ishok, Toubul and Yangoi Karong with the assistance of police.
The DFO maintained that the Forest Department has been taking up preventive measures to safeguard Kharsa, migratory birds and other animals enlisted under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
Continuing that some poachers, however, continue to wait for an opportune moment to kill animals for trade or consumption, the DFO warned that poaching is a punishable offence.
She appealed to the people to lend support in protecting kharsa, wild hog, sangai and migratory birds at Loktak Lake and in saving biodiversity.
