Guwahati: At least 550 poachers and timber smugglers surrendered on Saturday in Chirang district of Assam.
Among the surrendered there were around 260 poachers and 300 timber smugglers.
All of them surrendered in the presence of Bodoland Territorial Council’s (BTC) chief Pramod Boro.
The poachers will be present an amount of Rs.50000 each as a rehab package by Assam Government.
Sharing the news on Twitter, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Dawn of new era for wildlife & forest conservation. Thanks to BTC Admin, 264 poachers surrendered at Chirang with arms & animal trophies. They’re getting a rehab package with relief of ₹50K each. 300 + timber smugglers also surrendered in presence of BTR Chief @PramodBoroBTR.”
Earlier, on 22 September, about 57 poachers had surrendered their arms before Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) near the Raimona National Park in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.