In a significant development, two poachers were killed by forest officials at the Charaihagi forest camp area within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident occurred late, June 21, when the poachers were discovered smuggling fish in Rowmari Beel inside the wildlife sanctuary.
The deceased, identified as brothers Jalil Uddin and Sameer Uddin from Dhingbari Chapari village in Juria, were encountered by forest department officials during a routine patrol. The situation escalated into a confrontation, resulting in the shooting of the brothers. As per forest department sources, the poachers attacked the guards and tried to flee the spot. The killed poachers were serial offenders of wildlife crimes.
Following the incident, the forest department swiftly transported the bodies to Nagaon Hospital overnight. In response to the shooting, a substantial number of police and forest department personnel have been deployed to the scene to maintain order and ensure security.
The Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Nagaon, Assam, is known for its diverse wildlife and efforts to combat poaching. This incident underscores forest officials’ ongoing challenges in protecting the sanctuary’s natural resources.
In a remarkable conservation success, rhinos have returned triumphantly to the Laokhowa and Bura Chapori wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, 40 years after poaching had eradicated the population. This significant milestone follows the Assam government’s decisive anti-encroachment operations in 2023, which cleared human settlements and restored 51.7 square kilometres of forest cover.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma proudly announced in January that the iconic rhinos had returned to these protected areas within a year of the successful eviction drives. The return of the rhinos not only symbolises the resilience of wildlife but also underscores the importance of dedicated conservation efforts and stringent anti-poaching measures. This development is a testament to the state’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and revitalising its wildlife sanctuaries, fostering hope for the future of these majestic creatures in Assam’s rich and diverse ecosystems.
