Imphal, 23 June 2017 ( Evening News ) : Forest and Environment Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar has vowed to ban air guns and barrel guns to preserve and protect wild life in Manipur. Speaking at the state level stakeholder workshop for ‘Management Planning of Keibul Lamjao National Park and Conservation of Sangai jointly organised by Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun at Classic Grande today, the minister said as a first step, the state Govt will keep an eye on the holders of gun license. He said wild animals including birds are mostly killed with air guns and barrelled guns. Shyamkumar asserted that wildlife can be protected if these guns are banned. Disclosing that the state Govt is planning to convert Keibul Lamjao into an eco- tourism park, the minister stressed the responsibility of the people to protect wildlife in the state. The minister also assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the department concerned to save wildlife including Sangai. Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment, Shambu Singh, officials of state forest department and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and several scientists attended the event.