Govt moves to protect underground wonders from thieves

Local authorities blocked the entrance of a newly-discovered limestone cave after thieves cut stalactites from the roof to be sold in Kunming city, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province. The cave was found after a quarry explosion late last month and since then thieves began taking the material that can be used for stone collections and home decoration. An eyewitness surnamed Liu said nearly 20 thieves were spotted on June 29, some using electric saws, and about 300 potential buyers had arrived. Kunming officials have asked experts to conduct surveys to ascertain the cave's geological and archaeological worth. [Photo/IC]