Police patrol team ‘killing’ rare bird species in SWGH

TURA: Protectors of law have turned destroyers in South West Garo Hills, according to allegations by a local committee in Ampati.
The GAJA Committee of Kumligaon village has accused Ampati police personnel on highway patrol duty of killing endangered birds found in the forests along the road.
The villagers said the men in khaki patrolling the area in a vehicle with registration number ML-02 3125 are shooting the rare avian species in Khongpara, Chengkhali, Batajor and Kumli despite protests by locals.
“These birds are highly endangered and their presence in the limited forest cover is a natural resource adding beauty to the region. Instead of protecting them, they (police) are trying to destroy the wildlife,” alleged the committee.
When apprised of the problem, district police chief Bobby W. Momin said the matter would be thoroughly probed and action would be taken. “If anyone is found violating the law necessary action will be taken,” said Momin.
This is the second instance of a highway patrol team falling on the wrong side of the law.
Less than two months ago, another patrol team on duty on the Tura-Jengjal route of the national highway was accused of extorting money from a lorry, transporting furniture for a shop in Tura town.