Assam Governor P B Acharya today called Director General of Police Khagen Sarmah to the Raj Bhawan and directed him to take immediate action to prevent killing of rhinos in the state.
The Governor directed the DGP to "build a strong first line of defence by utilising the support and cooperation of the inhabitants of the char areas and the villages through which the poachers carry on their dastardly crimes," a release issued by Raj Bhawan said.
Acharya further said that if rhino killings persisted even after the implementation of these measures, actions like imposition of deterrent fines on the communities of those areas have to be initiated.
The Governor was "greatly disturbed and deeply hurt by the continuous killing of rhinos despite relentless efforts and stern appeals," it said.
He also urgently called for an effective solution and halt to the "heartless slaughter of this precious symbol of the state," the release added.
The Governor had earlier criticised the state government and the concerned authorities for their alleged failure to stop rhino poaching in the national parks, particularly in Kaziranga National Park.
