Guwahati: About 2,500 one-horned rhinos who lost their lives due to natural calamities or poaching have been cremated in Assam on Wednesday (September 22, 2021) on the occasion of World Rhinoceros Day. CMÂ Himanta Biswa Sarma performed a symbolic ritual at Kaziranga National Park in Assam before burning rhino horns. According to Hinduism customs, it was cremated after the rituals.
The programme is being considered a milestone towards rhino conservation. The aim was to eliminate the myths about rhinoceros. Assam Wildlife Warden MK Yadav said, "It is a clear message to poachers and smugglers that these things have no value.'' After the event, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that according to Hindu traditions, the ritual has been performed. By doing so, we have sent a strong message to the poachers that rhino lead has no medicinal significance. Through this cremation, we want to convey the message that rhinoceros are part of Assamese culture and are very important.
The process of collecting these horns started decades ago, after collecting them and they were kept safe in the treasury. According to the forest department, the price is very high in the black market due to the use of rhino horns in traditional medicines. Just last week, the state cabinet had ordered the re-verification of rhino horns.
VIDEO: Shah Rukh not getting work, thrown down phone from balcony in anger