Assam: Student unions slam authorities over elephant poaching in Manas, warn of mass agitation

Shock and outrage have swept across Assam after the remains of three wild elephants were discovered inside the dense forests of the Panbari Range in Manas National Park, situated along the Indo-Bhutan border in Bijni, Chirang district. 

Preliminary reports suggest the animals were brutally poached, once again bringing the menace of illegal wildlife hunting to the fore.

In response to the grim discovery, the Manas Regional Committee of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Bansbari Regional Committee of the All Adivasi Students' Association of Assam (AASAA) jointly staged a press conference today at the main gate of the park’s Bansbari Range.

Leaders from both groups expressed grief over the latest killings and strongly condemned the failure of the Assam government, the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) administration, and the forest department in safeguarding the park's wildlife. 

Terming the incident a grave lapse in security, the organizations demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the poachers involved.

Warning of severe consequences if their demands are ignored, AASU and AASAA threatened to launch a massive agitation against the authorities to ensure justice and stronger wildlife protection measures.