(IN): Wild Animals Assam Tribune Editorial

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http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=mar2109/edit1

 

*'Wild Animals'*

 

It is questionable as to which has the thicker skin, the Great Indian

One-Horned Rhinoceros, or power-mad elements among Indian politicians! The

so called wild animals in our protected sanctuaries differ from their wild

counterparts of the political jungles in that they do not possess monstrous

egos. Nor do they strut about with AK-47 rifles and threaten to shoot those

responsible for protecting them. In fact, they indirectly serve mankind by

maintaining the balance of nature, as also in other ways. For instance, the

animals of Kaziranga, in particular the Indian rhino, have made this

National Park world famous. This has attracted tourists from all across the

globe, thereby enriching not only the economy of Assam, but also that of the

areas around the park. Thus, in every sense, the wild denizens of Kaziranga

are true public servants! On the other hand, the behaviour of the two

presumed ‘public-servants’, independent MLAs Jiten Gogoi and Kushal Duari,

would make even the wildest of Kaziranga’s denizens hang down its head in

shame. As reported in the media the duo had illegally intruded into the

protected sanctuary on a fishing expedition, with their armed escorts in

tow. When stopped by the forest personnel, they threatened and assaulted a

Ranger and damaged public property including a security gate and a wireless

room.

 

Old habits apparently are difficult to forsake, for the culprits had once

been insurgents, and still imagine that possession of firearms, not to

mention the power they wield as ‘representatives of the people’, make them

kings of the jungle. One must salute the forest personnel for their courage

in resisting the intrusion. There might be a bad egg or two amongst them,

but on the whole the guards responsible for protecting a precious resource

like Kaziranga have been doing a commendable job. It is their devotion to

duty in the face of great odds that has elevated this park into a World

Heritage Site. If, apart from dangerous poachers, they have also to confront

equally dangerous political elements, their situation would be precarious

indeed. In contrast to their courage, the response of civil authorities has

till date been pathetic. Despite the criminal cases registered against them

and directives to arrest the culprits, they have not been nabbed so far.

That public figures can remain ‘absconders’ days after the incident reveals

either ineptitude on the part of the police, or something more suspicious.

Clearly, the two MLAs have violated the Wildlife Protection Act, indulged in

illegal trespass and assault, as also vandalism. Such crimes deserve

stringent punishment and the duo cannot be shielded just because of their

political status. Elsewhere, celebrities have been brought to book for

lesser violations. It is now up to Dispur to bring an end to police

tardiness and ensure that the culprits are immediately apprehended and the

law allowed to take its course.

 

 

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