Assam raises new force for protection of one-horned rhinos

In an attempt to help the Forest Department to protect the one-horned rhinoceros, the Assam government has raised the Special Rhino Protection Force (SRPF), consisting 90 youth living in areas on the fringe of the Kaziranga National Park.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday gave away appointment letters to 90 youth as constables in the newly-raised force, who would be exclusively used for Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park and Manas National Park - the rhino habitats in the state.

"Protecting rhinos along with other wild lives are our commitment and raising the Special Force is a step towards protecting our rhinos from the scourge of poaching," he said adding that the newly-recruited constables should maintain constant liaison with the security mechanism of Kaziranga National Park to form a formidable team for the protection of wildlife.

Citing the slew of measures that the State government has put in place for protection of rhinos and other wildlife, the Chief Minister said that the government has formed fast track courts to bring the perpetrators of wildlife crime to justice.

"The newly-raised Special Rhino Protection Force would be a new face of the state government's efforts towards protection of wild lives in the state especially rhinos," he said, adding that the government would provide all assistance in empowering Special Rhino Protection Force to help them to live up to their mandate.

--IANS

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