BHUBANESWAR: Panic and uncertainty loom large over Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) after a 1,500-strong mob stormed the inviolable core area of the National Park on Tuesday seeking to go on a hunting spree. The confrontation that ensued has left the field staff vulnerable and sent them into a tizzy. Armed with guns and poison-tipped arrows, the group threatened the field staff at Tarinibila, under Upper Barakhamuda, to allow them hunting or face dire consequences. If sources are to be believed, at least 300 of them possessed firearms and demanded free passage and movement. The Wildlife Wing described it as an attempt for akhand shikar (ritualistic hunting by tribals) which was thwarted. However, sources said the mob, comprising local villagers, was out to celebrate and indulge in revelry after the panchayat polls. “They had obviously been paid after the counting for the polls was complete and wanted to camp in the core zone and go on hunting for three to four days. They had come fully prepared with rations and other items,” said sources in the Wildlife Wing. As soon as the mob reached the core zone, which is also the critical wildlife habitat, enforcement staff from three divisions __ Baripada, Karanjia and Deputy Field Director, STR __ reached the spot. They were almost held hostage and terrorised at gunpoint. However, the Forest staff managed to dissuade the mob from doing any harm. Chief Wildlife Warden Janardhan Dibakar Sharma said the ‘akhand shikar’ attempt could be thwarted due to timely intervention of the field staff. “The hunting rituals take place till mid-April and we have to counsel dehuris (priests) who motivate the locals. Our people are on the job,” said Sharma. The incident has shaken the field staff since the mob was organised and clearly motivated. Mayurbhanj Police were also informed about the confrontation and they sent a team but before that the tension had already been defused. While Maoist threat has always been a big challenge, the field staff were ill-equipped to deal with the hunting mob as none of the former had even a firearm. The State Government has, for the last several years, barred Forest field staff from carrying firearms apprehending attacks by Maoists who snatch the weapons. Despite its rich biodiversity, Similipal has been a victim of Government apathy with field posts lying vacant for several years. Of the 150 forest beats, Forest guards are absent in half, and only recently the Government permitted recruitment which is underway. Besides, engagement of locals to provide intelligence inputs to the Forest staff has not worked as the former never trusted the latter. Three years ago, when elephants were poached in large numbers, lack of communication had emerged as a major issue.
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