India, July 3 -- Citizens across Arunachal Pradesh have voluntarily surrendered more than 2,400 air guns under the state's 'Air gun Surrender Abhiyan', a grassroots conservation movement aimed at protecting wildlife and promoting ecological awareness, officials said.

Chief minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday hailed the initiative, calling it a model for the rest of the country. Launched in March 2021 at Lumdung village in East Kameng district when 46 air guns were surrendered, the campaign has since seen widespread participation across districts.

The movement encourages individuals to relinquish air guns and licensed firearms to curb the hunting of birds and small wildlife. According to officials, the initiative has led to a noticeable re...