In a successful operation against wildlife crimes, the Assam Police arrested four suspected rhino poachers at Orang National Park. Those apprehended were identified as Nur Hussain, Abul Hussain, Jaffar Ali, and Nur Islam. The police recovered a .303 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones, motorcycles, and camping equipment from the suspects. This raid underscores ongoing efforts to combat poaching, especially in protected areas.
Assam’s Director General of Police, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, commended the Darrang district police for their prompt action, acknowledging their role in thwarting the planned poaching in a post on platform X. Earlier, on October 26, a similar attempt was prevented by the swift actions of police and forest department personnel at the famed Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two individuals, Rasidul Haque and Sibe Ali, were arrested based on intelligence that alerted authorities to their intentions to hunt rhinos.
Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that there has been an 86% drop in rhino poaching since 2016 in Kaziranga and other protected habitats. Despite the challenges faced, conservation efforts have managed to safeguard Assam’s rich biodiversity, including the one-horned rhino, which has become emblematic of the region’s identity. The last census in 2022 recorded over 2,850 rhinos across various national parks in Assam.
Kaziranga National Park, covering approximately 1,300 sq km and hosting over 2,613 rhinos, stands out as a significant conservation landmark. The park is a sanctuary not only for rhinos but also Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and a plethora of bird species. The state’s dedication to preserving its unique wildlife heritage aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of animal conservation.
