Nongkhyllem sanctuary now a smugglers’ den
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Timber smuggling along the Nongkhyllem Forest Sanctuary in Ri-Bhoi district has been on the rise in the past few months.
It is learnt that members of prominent NGOs are also involved in this racket as they are getting the support of the illegal saw mill owners right from Mairang in West Khasi Hills up to Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district.
The rise in timber smuggling has jeopardized the safety and security of the Forest staff attached to the Forest Beat Office at Lai Lad.
In fact, a group of 70 miscreants had already attempted to torch the Forest and Environment Beat Office at Lai Lad on Sunday night.
The miscreants failed in their attempts after the staff managed to chase them away before they could set the Beat Office on fire.
Sources on Monday informed that the problem came to light on February 24 last after the patrol team of the Forest and Environment department caught a truck carrying smuggled timber.
The driver and handyman of the truck fled from the scene after seeing the patrol team, sources said.
“Surprisingly, however, the driver and handyman came back to the place where they left the truck accompanied by several people with the motive of challenging the Forest staff. On seeing this, the Forest guards were force to open blank fire to disperse the mob,” sources said adding that after the threat perception, the forest guards were also forced to abandon the truck inside the forest.
Sources also informed that the Beat Officer filed an FIR in this connection with the police and they also took up the matter with Deputy Commissioner Akash Deep and Superintendent of Police Claudia Lyngwa.
“The magistrates were supposed to go inside the Nongkhyllem Forest Sanctuary to investigate into this timber smuggling. But due to the incident at Byrnihat, they had to postpone their visit to the sanctuary,” sources said.
A day after the forest patrol team apprehended the truck carrying smuggled timber inside the sanctuary, sources revealed that FKJGP Patharkhmah Circle president came to the Beat Office charging that the forest staff has damaged his truck.
“The FKJGP president even threatened the forest staff with dire consequences,” sources informed.
Meanwhile, sources also informed that in January last, the Forest staff had arrested seven people who were allegedly involved in timber smuggling.
“Despite being remanded to 14 days judicial custody, some influential people managed to get them bail within three days,” sources said.
Sources also informed that people involved in timber smuggling have also managed to brainwash the villagers residing near the forest sanctuary.
“After this incident, the forest staff do not feel safe to enter the sanctuary on their own. Unless, the Government issues a ‘shoot at sight’ order inside the sanctuary it is not possible for the forest staff carry out their duties,” sources added.