The alleged secret transfer of a captive female elephant named “Durga” from Manas National Park to Kerala has triggered strong protests by nature conservation groups and student organisations.
According to the protesting organisations, Durga was transported from Mahal Camp under the Bansbari Range on the night of September 7. They alleged that the elephant was moved out of the State under the cover of darkness without any prior public disclosure.
After the matter came to light, representatives of several nature conservation groups questioned Bansbari Range Officer Nitish Boro over the circumstances and legality of the transfer.
The organisations sought a clear explanation, along with relevant documents and evidence, from the park authorities within 24 hours. They also threatened to launch a mass democratic agitation if the authorities failed to disclose the reason for transferring the elephant and the permissions obtained for the movement.
Nature conservationists Mansukh Sankharika and Sahadat Hussain were among those who raised questions over the alleged transfer.
The Baksa district and Manas regional units of the All Assam Students’ Union also expressed concern over the incident. Baksa district unit president Zubeen Das criticised the park authorities and sought the intervention of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Das warned that the students’ organisation would launch a democratic movement if the authorities failed to make all relevant information and documents public at the earliest.
Reports have confirmed that Durga was moved from Mahal Camp on the night of September 7. However, the purpose of the transfer, its final destination and the statutory permissions obtained have not yet been officially clarified by the Manas authorities.
