NEW DELHI, June 9 � Seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s intervention in preventing of poaching of the world famous one-horned rhinos, BJP MP Ramen Deka called for eviction of the illegal migrants settled in and around the Kaziranga National Park.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, released to the media, Deka said that it is estimated that 115 rhinos were killed in Assam by poachers during the last 10 years. It has been confirmed by the Central Government that 14 rhinos were killed in 2009, eight in 2010, seven (2011), and 13 in 2012. In another Parliamentary reply, the Centre confirmed that 28 rhinos were killed in 2013.
But unofficial reports claimed that the killing of rhinos are much more. The trend of recent killing of rhinos is an eye opener and shocking that four rhinos were killed by poachers in four days,� the MP pointed out.
The Mangaldai MP has made 11 suggestions for protection of rhinos. The first and foremost task of the government is to �effect area dominance� by inducting two full battalions of regular Assam Police Battalions into the area, which will serve as a strong deterrence to the poachers.
Deka�s other suggestions include identification of
vulnerable spots, area of responsibility of each BoPs, foot and ambush patrolling, equipping the battalions with wireless sets and mobile phones, drawing up of standard operating procedures (SOPs) among others.
The State Government placed a demand for modernisation of Assam Police, but forgot to place a detailed plan to save the rhinos, under threat from the poachers.
State Power and Industries Minister Pradyut Bordoloi, when asked about it, said that poaching was conducted by organised gangs and insurgent groups. The entire issue is linked with communication, which has been linked with the proposal to modernise and upgrade the State police with special emphasis on police infrastructure.
In the context of the decades old insurgency and other militant activities in the State, this has a special significance for Assam, the presentation said.
