[Assam] Citizen’s meeting demands forensic test before rhino horn burning

[Nava Thakuria]

Citizen’s meeting demands forensic test before rhino horn burning  
  
.... renews call for CBI probe into rhino poaching
By our Staff Reporter
Guwahati, June 19: The citizens’ meeting organized by the Journalists’ Forum, Assam (JFA) here today demanded forensic test before burning of rhino horns by the Forest Department.
Representatives of various environmental organizations and individuals participated in the meeting held at the Guwahati Press Club. 
The meeting passed three resolutions in the greater interest of wildlife in Assam: the authorities should ensure a transparent forensic test of over 1500 rhino horns before they are burned by the State Forest Department, order a CBI inquiry into rhino poaching and various anomalies in the Forest Department and organize public hearings before burning the rhino horns. 
The meeting also appealed to the district-level observation committees to make sure that forensic test takes place in order to maintain transparency while disposing of the rhino horns.
The Assam Forest Department has already decided to burn all the rhino horns in its possession. The department has also formed a committee headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and head of the Forest Force of Assam to monitor the matter.
According to a press release issued by Guwahati Press Club secretary Nava Thakuria, the JFA,  All Assam Students’ Union and Nature’s Beckon have been demanding a high-level investigation into rhino poaching in various reserve forests of Assam. 
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain had declared two years ago that the government was ready for a CBI probe. But no steps have been taken  in this regard so far.
The meeting was chaired by JFA president Rupam Barua. Environment activists Somyadeep Datta of Nature’s Beckon, Malay Barua of Early Birds, Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar of Aranyak, Sanjay Sonowal of Assam Forest Protection Group, Utpal Nath of Pabitora Conservation Society, Bedabrat Lahkar of JUA, Pulin Kalita of  AUWJ, Biraj Choudhury, Bhaimon Hazarika, Jagadindra Raichoudhury, Mukul Kalita, Mubina Akhter, Sabita Lahkar, Jayanta Gogoi, Nirab Barman, Buljit Buragohain, Namita Bora, Mohidhar Barman and others expressed their views at the meeting.
Somyadeep Datta also addressed the media on the issue today .

http://www.sentinelassam.com/mainnews/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=39310&dtP=2010-06-20&ppr=1#39310