(IN): MLAs fed up with monkeys, dogs- Government forms panel to rein in four-legged tormentors

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071117/asp/guwahati/story_8558022.asp

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MLAs fed up with monkeys, dogs*

*- Government forms panel to rein in four-legged tormentors* A STAFF

REPORTER

 

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*Guwahati, Nov. 16:* The stray dog who dared to vomit in the corridor of

the Assembly when the honourable Speaker was passing by cannot possibly be

identified and punished. Neither can the cellphone and toothpaste-loving

monkeys who torment several legislators' constituencies or the canines who

spoil their morning walks in the residential wing of the capital complex.

 

But that has not stopped Assam's elected representatives from insisting on

and getting yet another " high-powered committee " , this time to find out how

how to keep simians and stray dogs from ruining their peace of mind.

 

After four days of animated debates on weighty topics ranging from floods

and digital electricity meters to Prafulla Kumar Mahanta's indictment for

the " secret killings " , peals of laughter echoed in the Assembly today as

legislators found time to narrate stories of their close encounters with

monkeys and dogs.

 

It did lighten up the atmosphere and elicit some cheeky remarks, but the

legislators who spoke about their experiences looked suitably serious.

Veterinary minister Khorsing Ingti promised action against stray dogs when

Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai corroborated reports about canines soiling the

hallowed corridors of the Assembly.

 

Some legislators whined about a pack of stray dogs lurking in the complex,

ready to attack them during their morning walks and other outdoor

activities.

 

Guneshwar Das of the Assam United Democratic Front spoke about monkeys

harassing people in Raha constituency, while Hiren Das of the AGP said

simians in his area, Mangaldoi, specialised in snatching cellphones from

passersby. Das did not stop at that. " The monkeys even take away toothpaste

to maybe brush their teeth or something like that, " he added, leading to

guffaws all around.

 

His party colleague from Hajo, Nurul Hussain, claimed that his constituency

had the most number of monkeys and that people were fed up with them.

 

Education minister Ripun Bora admitted it was a unique problem and needed

attention, and another member did an educated analysis of the link between

destruction of monkey habitats and their proliferation in human settlements.

 

 

Forest minister Rockybul Hussain gave a committee headed by the chief

conservator of forests (research, education & working plan), R.P. Agarwal,

and including the DFO of the Assam State Zoo, Narayan Mahanta, three months

to suggest corrective measures.

 

Till then, legislators will just have to wag the dog who soils the corridor

and endure the monkey who sneers at them from the safety of his favourite

tree.

 

 

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