Protected bird finds place on Sukhu's dinner table, BJP cries fowl

The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit on Saturday sought an apology from chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for allegedly asking his associates if they wish to eat "Jungli Murga" (Grey Junglefowl), a protected species.

- Shailee Dogra

SHIMLA:

Demanding a probe and action in this matter, a Dharamshala-based animal rights NGO has filed a complaint to the chief conservator of the wildlife department in Dharamshala on Saturday, seeking action against those who killed the "Jungli Murga", those consuming it and the CM for encouraging others to consume the same.

On Friday night during the 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar' initiative of the state government, the chief minister visited Tikkar village in Kupvi tehsil of Chopal subdivision in Shimla district. Here he attended a dinner at a villager's home where the protected species was served.

"Jungli Murga" is a protected species and hunting is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This species, found in areas above 3,000 feet in Himachal Pradesh, is protected, and hunting it is a punishable offence.

Although the chief minister did not consume the particular dish himself, it was served to the other accompanying guests.