| In 1986, Manas became the focus of armed Bodo
militancy in Assam. The demand for a separate ‘Udayachal’
land for the Bodo community resulted in increasing bloodshed
and poaching as rebels took refuge in Manas. Poaching gangs
used the Bodo struggle as a ruse, blaming the Bodos for the
slaughter. Ivory, tiger skins and rhino horns fuelled the purchase
of still more weapons. Until 1988, the core area had remained
surprisingly unharmed. But in February 1989, an anti-poaching
camp called Lafasari was attacked, followed by a rapid escalation
of violence within the core. Sixty rhinos were estimated to
have died during this period.
The Bodos are traditionally a peace loving, forest-dwelling
community. Their fight for Bodoland began because of the infringement
of their land by timber and paper merchants as well as illegal
immigrants from Bangladesh. The Bodos fought to reclaim the
forest from the 'outsiders'. This struggle to retain their
identity has existed in spirit much before the 80s. The first
signs began as early as 1930 when the Tribal League was formed
during the British rule. In October 1995, after nearly a decade
of the Udayachal struggle, some order has returned and Manas
has been re-opened for tourists. From 1996 onwards, political
leaders, forest officials and NGOs have taken the initiative
to discuss and mediate.
Meanwhile, the construction of the Mathanguri-Panbang road
in Bhutan has brought in diesel trucks and scores of labourers,
giving rise to fresh problems.
Poaching and timber smuggling are a menace. The task of patrolling
is made even more difficult in the absence of basic provisions
for self-defence for the sentries. Even today, as many as
23 camps are manned by unarmed forest guards.
Contacts
The Field Director -- Project Tiger,
Manas Tiger Reserve,
PO Barpeta Road,
District Barpeta,
Assam - 781315.
Tel: 03666-32253
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