Guest birds fly all the way from frosty zones in search of light, warmth and food and a huge number of them used to land in this country in the past. But they often find their winter habitats infested with poachers. Indiscriminate catching of such birds has been going on despite a government ban. It is not at all clear why enforcement of the law in this respect is so lax.

These birds are often seen dangling at an absurd angle in the hands of remorseless sellers in the city streets, under the nose of law enforcers. They find buyers too as many people are still not aware of the damage they would be causing to the environment by eating up the beautiful creatures. It is a disgrace to the errant adults that they do not understand what the school-going minors do.

The law must not remain silent amid the ruthless slaying of guest birds. The countries lucky enough to receive the guests have hardened their resolve to save them from the hands of poachers. But we are not giving anything beyond a nonchalant and routine lip-service to their cause.

The law enforcers must not allow anybody to sell birds in the city as the first step towards protecting the guests in peril. Then poaching and hunting must be stopped to create safe sanctuaries for the visitors coming from far-away places.

It is not enough for some bird lovers to raise their voice against poachers. People in general must feel the need for saving the birds -- an integral part of the living world and nature. That is how a social movement against poaching can gain momentum.