Kohora, Assam, May 19: Asom Gana Parishad leaders led by former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta on Saturday staged protest at Kaziranga National Park demanding protection of one-horned rhinos from poachers.
Mahanta demanded immediate measures from Centre and state governments to check rampant killing of this endangered species.
There has been several incidents of poaching of rhinos in Kaziranga National Park , Pobitora, Manas and Orang National Park by poachers threatening the very existence of the great one horned Indian Rhino found mainly in Assam.
The demand for Rhino horn has increased in international market, particularly, China for its medicinal purposes and the rates are very high, even to the tune of crores of rupee.
Rhinos in Assam have become a soft target for poachers ( both locals and from neighbouring states) to make fast and easy money.
Last year 17 rhinos were killed and another 27 rhinos lost their lives during flood. This year too, about 19 rhinos have been killed by poachers so far.
The state government has increased the number of forest guards, replaced their firearms with sophisticated weapons and has taken assistance from NGOs. Aerial surveillance is also being planned.
