Animals fall prey to anti–insurgency operations

Our CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR, January 2: In a pathetic incident, an endangered golden langur was found dead at Bishmuri–Sarphang (Bhutan) road in Chirang reserve forest under Ultapani forest of Haltugaon division today. The endangered animal was hit by a speeding vehicle.

Visiting reporters found the carcass of the golden langur between Bismuri and Ultapani. The langur was apparently hit on the head and face. A large group of the golden langurs was seen on the trees near the incident spot. It is learnt that the group of golden langurs were crossing the road from the western side to eastern side when the speeding vehicle hit one of them.

It may be mentioned that the 30–km Bishmuri–Saralpara–Sarphang (Bhutan) road runs through thick jungles and is one of the habitats of endangered golden langur in Kokrajhar district. The road was once extremely dilapidated, but it has been rebuilt and widened.

Since the road has been revamped with new black top surface, most of the vehicles ply at close to 100kmph. Vehicular movement is also increasing abnormally since the December 23 incident. Lots of VIP vehicles, trucks, security vehicles and all kinds of heavy and light cars are seen plying to different relief camps carrying materials.

Recently, a herd of 33 elephants came down towards human habitat in Serfanguri and Dotma areas crossing tiol Highway 31 in search of safety as the operations against the militant groups have been intensified in the forested areas in the north of the district.

An elephant calf was abandoned by the group after it came into human contact at Khumguri village in Serfanguri. The elephant calf has been given care at the rehabilitation centre at Choraikhola Wildlife Sanctuary near Kokrajhar. Besides, the DFO, Wild Life division, RN Boro told this reporter that they have rescued two peacocks and a python from different places since the December 23 massacre.