Guwahati: Seven out of the eight endangered golden langurs rescued from a wildlife trafficking network on June 20 in Chirang district were released at the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after careful scientific monitoring. However, one did not survive despite the veterinary experts’ efforts to save it.The park is situated across parts of Chirang and Kokrajhar districts.Forest and environment minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said, “I am happy to inform you that the seven golden langurs have now been successfully released back into their natural habitat at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after undergoing rescue, rehabilitation and careful scientific monitoring.”He described the release as a significant milestone in Assam’s wildlife conservation efforts and credited the achievement to the dedicated work of forest officials, wildlife experts, enforcement agencies and local communities.“Their return to the wild is a testament to the coordinated efforts of everyone involved in their rescue and rehabilitation. This also sends a strong message to wildlife criminals that Assam has zero tolerance for poaching and wildlife trafficking,” he added.The rescued primates were among eight endangered golden langurs recovered during a major anti-trafficking operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police in Chirang district on June 20. Unfortunately, one of the rescued langurs did not survive despite efforts to save it.Acting on specific intelligence inputs, STF personnel from Guwahati, assisted by police, launched a late-night operation along National Highway-27 in the Sidli area of Chirang district.The operation busted an alleged international wildlife trafficking network and nine suspected traffickers, including a Bangladeshi national, were arrested. The langurs were captured by the traffickers in Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district.Following their rescue, the surviving langurs were placed under the care of wildlife experts and veterinary teams who monitored their health and behaviour before determining they were fit for release, a senior forest official said.Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is a biodiversity-rich protected area spread across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts in the BTR. Covering over 316 square kilometres, the national park forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and serves as a crucial habitat for several rare and endangered species, including the golden langur.The forest minister reiterated the state govt’s commitment in protecting the state’s rich biodiversity and strengthening efforts against wildlife crime.“Together, we remain committed to safeguarding Assam’s natural heritage and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving ecosystem and healthy wildlife populations,” he said.
