Dudhwa guards surrender arms, refuse tourist protection

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Published on: 16 Feb 2016 2:29 AM GMT
Dudhwa guards surrender arms, refuse tourist protection
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Lucknow: The ongoing dispute between Lakhimpur Kheri district magistrate Kinjal Singh and Dudhwa National Park forest officials worsened with the forest guards deciding to surrender their arms from Tuesday.

The members of Federation of Forest Association are going to surrender their arms from Tuesday in protest against Kinjal Singh's high-handed attitude. They are demanding DM's transfer from the district. The workers have decided to continue their protest till Kinjal is transferred.

Major security blow for the wildlife lovers:

The surrender of arms by the forest guards is likely to hit tourism as wildlife lovers would not like to venture into the park unprotected.

Kinjal's nightly visits:

Dudhwa National Park officials were enraged after the district magistrate visited the restricted areas of the park during nights in violation of rules. Forest officials claimed that the DM's nightly forays made a tigress with four cubs take shelter in sugarcane fields.

Alleging harassment by Kinjal Singh, the workers began boycotting their work since the first week of December. The tiger reserve, which was thrown open to tourists on November 15, was closed barely 15 days later.

The decision:

Rajkumar, a member of Federation of Forest Association here told ‘Newztrack.com’ that the decision to surrender arms was taken in a meeting called by the association. The decision to continue the protest was also taken at the meeting.

The meeting was called after district officials seized two vehicles of the park and assaulted a park worker.

The dispute:

Employees of the forest department have alleged Kinjal Singh for overshooting her powers with regards to Dudhwa National Park.The employees have also accused her of harassing them.

The employees along with the members of Federation of Forest Association are boycotting the work.

The protest is causing a huge loss to wildlife tourism.Forest employees are demanding a probe into the matter.

Allegations:

Federation of Forest Association accused Kinjal of “violating” the park rules.She visited the restricted area during night hours.

The forest officials allege that being an IAS officer Kinjal Singh enjoys special favours from the government.

Chief Secretary taking stock of the situation:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan, is personally keeping track of the developments.

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