Guwahati: Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) has demanded full transparency in the process to dispose the rhino horns which have been kept in the state treasuries for decades.
The decision to destroy 2,479 rhino horns, out of 2,623 horns stored in various treasuries by the Assam government was taken in the state cabinet meeting on 16 September 2021, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
According to a press release, the State forest and environment department has already started the verification process at 12 treasuries across the state to identify fake horn among the real ones.
As per the reports, the process to verify horns has been conducted after allegations were raised that a section of corrupt forest officials would destroy those fake horns and later smuggle those into international markets.
It may be mentioned that the PPFA urged the state government to ensure that only the scientifically proven rhino horns are disposed in presence of distinguished personalities in public.
It further added that the procedure must not allow corrupt officials to illegally sell the consignment’s siphoned-away horns for personal advantage and the government should not hurry the process to evade any post-event controversy.