Five poachers arrested around Kaziranga

Guwahati, Feb 11 (UNI) At least five poachers, including kingpin of poaching cartel, was arrested within the vicinity of the Kaziranga National Park, which had seen spate of poaching in the past few months.

According to senior forest officials, five arrested poachers were Munir Khan from Jakhalabandha Nagina Majhi from Hathikhuli, Manan Akhtar from Methoni, Biren Engti and Dhiren Engti from Ingalnd Pathar area.

All were involved in the recent killings of animals.

As both national and international pressure mounted, the Park authorities stepped up operation and a seven-member high level team, led by CCF (Wildlife) B S Bonal, were leading the operation.

Meanwhile, a batch of 100 armed guards were being placed and today itself 68 joined duty inside the park, which had been suffering acute shortage of manpower and weaponry.

Last year 21 rhinos were killed inside the park and three were killed this year.

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