Over 40 Arrested in Assam Anti-Poaching Drive, Confirms CM Sharma

Rapid Summary

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video highlighting the success of ‘Operation Falcon,’ an anti-poaching initiative targeting rhino poachers in the State.
• Launched in 2024, the program has led to more than 40 arrests and identified six major rhino poaching gangs linked to international networks, including connections through Myanmar.
• The operation employs on-ground and digital intelligence to track and chase poachers, aiming to eliminate rhino poaching entirely.
• Nine attempted rhino killings have been foiled since its inception. Arrests include:

– Biswanath: 18 arrests,
– Darrang: Eight arrests,
– Nagaon: Six arrests, among others across Assam’s districts.

• The one-horned rhinoceros is especially targeted for its horn due to baseless beliefs about supposed medicinal properties.

Indian Opinion Analysis
‘Operation Falcon’ represents a proactive approach in safeguarding Assam’s prized one-horned rhinoceroses from extinction due to illegal hunting. The integration of both traditional on-ground measures and modern digital intelligence technologies highlights an evolving enforcement strategy against wildlife crime. Additionally, identifying cross-border links with countries like Myanmar underscores the international scale of illegal wildlife trade networks that necessitate multilateral cooperation for resolution.

This initiative further emphasizes Assam’s accountability towards biodiversity preservation amid increasing threats posed by global wildlife trafficking rings and local demand fueled by misinformation about animal products’ purported values.Moving forward, sustained efforts must ensure community engagement alongside law enforcement actions for enduring success.

Read more: The Hindu