(IN): MLA teaches herd a lesson

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080208/jsp/northeast/story_8875640.jsp

 

MLA teaches herd a lesson

- Marauding elephants chased back to Kaziranga after 'war' A STAFF REPORTER

 

 

*Guwahati, Jan. 7: *Four Gypsies revved up their engines around 3pm in

Golaghat yesterday and began a chase that looked self-defeating at first,

considering their opponent was a marauding herd of 80 elephants.

 

The animals, which had apparently strayed from Kaziranga, had been on a

rampage in the district for the past few days, but the bugle was sounded

when they trampled a woman to death on Tuesday night.

 

Led by Jiten Gogoi, Independent legislator, villagers, along with forest

department personnel, began chasing the animals.

 

" We chased the herd for over 10km, fired more than 200 rounds in the air and

finally managed to send them back to where they belonged, " Gogoi said this

morning.

 

Several elephants are suspected to be injured after being hit by stray

bullets, Gogoi said. " The herd had to be taught a lesson. They will not dare

to come out of Kaziranga again, " the MLA said.

 

Return the elephants did, but not before razing nearly 100 houses.

 

But Gogoi has a remedy for that too. " I have directed the subdivisional

administration to make an estimate of the damage. The affected villagers

will be compensated, " he said.

 

The legislator decided to declare " war " after hearing innumerable complaints

about the herd's antics.

 

" Finally, when I heard the news of the elephants killing a woman in my

constituency, I thought enough was enough. The elephants had to be taught a

lesson, " he said.

 

The details of the " battle " were prepared around noon and the war finally

began at 3pm in Dhansirimukh, a day after the herd killed the woman at

Nagkati village and damaged several houses on the bank of the Brahmaputra.

 

" There were no roads. My men and I drove through forests and ditches with

the forest department personnel tailing us, " the MLA said.

 

Gogoi said there was no intention of their harming the elephants but there

was no option but to use guns.

 

 

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