Guwahati: Union Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday expressed concern over continuing poaching of rhinos in Assam and said a central protection force will be raised to protect the animal. Speaking to reporters, Javadekar said the force will be raised soon, mainly to protect rhinos at the Kaziranga National park. Local youths of Kaziranga will be included in the force, he added.Expressing concern on poaching, the minister said, the Central government is considering to amend some relevant laws to stop poaching and selling of rhino horns.
Poachers have killed 54 rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, while 6 were murdered in Manas National Park and 5 in Orang National Park. Also, four rhinos were killed in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.
124 poachers were arrested besides 146 rhinos dieddue to natural reasons.(PTI)
