GUWAHATI: Singer Zubeen Garg has appealed to people involved in rhino poaching in Assam to lay down their arms and work for conservation of the environment in the larger interest of the state and its people.
Zubeen, who turned 41 on Monday, used the occasion to make this appeal.
He said he would personally help and guide those (poachers) who choose to surrender their weapons to participate in conservation efforts. The ace singer also took out a bicycle rally in an attempt to raise awareness on the rampant poaching of the famed one-horned rhinoceros at the Kaziranga National Park and at Rajiv Gandhi Orang Wildlife Sanctuary in recent months.
Sporting a green T-shirt, Zubeen, who organized the bicycle rally under the slogan "Save Rhino, Save Assam", led a group of 200-odd volunteers, most of whom were clad in green as well. The rally, which began from the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Gardens, wound its way around the arterial roads of the city.
Zubeen said he always tried to initiate a positive cause on his birthday every year. "Be it social work or working towards conservation of the environment, I think about the possibilities of bringing about some positive change in society through these causes. This year has been quite tragic with Assam witnessing regular poaching of the famed one-horned Indian rhino. It is extremely sad and disheartening that we are not being able to do anything to prevent the killing of these animals," Zubeen, who was earlier associated with "Save the Tiger" campaign, said.
Known for his love for animals and nature, Zubeen, while expressing serious concern for the rampant killing of rhinos and other animals in the wilds of Assam in recent times, urged the people to do something for the betterment of the environment and conservation of nature.
Terming the slogan "Save Rhino, Save Assam" as an order rather than a demure request, Zubeen said the slogan should warn all those involved in this illegal act to put an end to poaching of rhinos and other animals immediately. He also lighted candles as tribute to the fallen rhinos.
"I personally urge all those involved in poaching of rhinos to lay down their arms and start a new life. There is not much profit involved in slicing off the horn as the poachers themselves don't earn much despite the risk involved. I will help them if they choose to surrender and decide to work for conservation of nature," Zubeen said.
