Kaziranga National Park Commemorates National Forest Martyrs’ Day
Honoring the Sacrifices of Forest Personnel
Soldiers offering the ceremonial gun salute in memory of forest martyrs in Kaziranga
Jorhat, Sept 11: On Friday, Kaziranga National Park marked National Forest Martyrs’ Day by honoring the 60 forest personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to protect the park's wildlife and natural resources.
The ceremony took place at the Forest Martyrs’ Memorial Garden in Kaziranga, where park officials paid homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Candles were lit in their honor, and tributes were extended to the families of the fallen heroes.
Among those remembered was Boluram Dutta, who lost his life in a confrontation with poachers in 1968, recognized as Kaziranga's first forest martyr. Over the years, numerous forest officials and frontline workers have died while combating poaching and safeguarding wildlife in the park's rugged terrain.
This year, forest officer Jirchong Ingti tragically died in an accident while on duty, and several other personnel have sustained injuries while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Divisional Forest Officer Arun Vignesh remarked that this annual observance serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by forest officials and workers in their efforts to protect Kaziranga.
“Each year, we celebrate the lives of those forest officials and workers who have laid down their lives. Kaziranga has around 60 martyrs, and we have a memorial dedicated to them,” Vignesh stated.
The dedication of these frontline personnel has been crucial in preserving Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the globe's most vital wildlife habitats.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to the forest martyrs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the conservation of the state's forests and wildlife.
“On National Forest Martyrs’ Day, I honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding our forests, wildlife, and natural heritage,” Sarma expressed in a social media post.
He further emphasized Assam's commitment to enhancing its forest force and empowering women through the Van Durga initiative, highlighting the crucial role of female personnel in forest protection.