[Assam] CBI Enquiry into Rhino Poaching in Assam

[Nava Thakuria]

To,
Honorable Jairam Ramesh,
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, 
Government of India, 
New Delhi-1 
Dated: Guwahati, June 24, 2010 
Sub: CBI Enquiry into Rhino Poaching in Assam 
Sir,
Namaskar. At the outset, we on behalf of Journalists’ Forum, Assam (JFA) would like to appreciate your prompt action ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the seizure of huge consignments of wildlife organs (mostly tiger parts) in Guwahati Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport recently. 
But at the same time, we reiterate our demand for a CBI enquiry in to the unabated poaching of endangered one horn rhinoceros in Assam as well. The State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had publicly declared on May 2, 2008 that his government was asking for a CBI enquiry in to the matter but it did not turn into reality.
We are really concerned at the ongoing trend of rhino poaching in the high profile Kaziranga National Park, which has lost over 50 rhinos to poachers in the last four years. A section of corrupt officials of the UNESCO’s world heritage site are allegedly maintaining a nexus with the poaching gangs for their selfish interest.
Following the public consultation in Guwahati on June 11, where you were present and the  JFA made a representation with other organizations, we had organized a Citizen Meeting on June 19, 2010 at Guwahati Press Club.
The meeting, attended by various environment NGOs, journalists’ organizations and other individuals had adopted three resolutions regarding the protection of forest and wildlife in Assam.
The meeting unanimously urged the government to declare a CBI enquiry to probe on rhino poaching and various anomalies of the State Forest Department. 
We like to mention that JFA along with All Assam Students’ Union and Nature’s Beckon had raised voices for a high level probe against the rhino poaching in various forest reserves of Assam in February 2008. Facing the heat of public resentments the State Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain also declared that the government was ready for a CBI probe. 
In another resolution, the meeting demanded that the Forest Department of Assam must ensure a transparent forensic test for 1571 rhino horns, which are being intended to burn by the department. 
Mentionable that State forest department has already made a decision (also made it public) to dispose off all the rhino horns in its possession. The department has also formed a committee under the chairmanship of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force of Assam to monitor the matter. Lately, the forest department has reportedly decided to organize public hearings before the burning those rhino horns.
While appreciating your timely action, may we also request you to kindly use your good office to initiate a CBI probe on rhino issues by the State government without further delay.
With regards,
   
Rupam Barua,
President,
Nava Thakuria,
Secretary,
Journalists’ Forum, Assam,
Ambari, Guwahati-781001
(m) 098640 44917

PS. Enclosed here with three web-links for your kind information. 
http://www.theepochtimes.com/news/8-5-11/70514.html
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=1&listcatid=317&listitemid=2738&live=0#cr
http://thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=284095:Locals%20the%20key%20to%20Kaziranga’s%20well-being&catid=52:north-east-page&from_page=search