Bhubaneswar/Baripada: Members of Odisha non-gazetted forest services association ceased foot patrolling from today as a token of protest and over a 5-point charter of demands, following the gunshot of two of their colleagues in Similipal National Park of Mayurbhanj district in less than a month.

The non-gazetted employees’ outfit warned of ceasing work from July 10 and also to stage an agitation at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, if their demands are not met soon. “We have decided in an emergency meeting to non-cooperate with the Department higher-ups,” president Jagabandhu Patra stated.

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Strong resentment is gradually brewing up among the forest staff across Odisha after the killing of both forester Mathi Hansda on June 16 night and forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena on May 22 evening by armed poachers in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). “Our lives are at risk because of the neglect of the State Government and Forest Department higher-ups,” some association members alleged.

“None of the staff will leave their respective headquarters during this period. Rather, they will work in nurseries, plantations and Department offices. Memorandums will be separately handed over to the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through respective district Collectors and to Forest Minister Pradip Kumar Amat through divisional forest officers (DFOs) on June 27,” president Patra said.

Meanwhile, Minister Amat said that he has not yet received any memorandum from the forest staff in this regard. “I will initiate steps after receiving the charter of demands for consideration by the CM. The State government is taking all measures toward the safety of the Forest staff on duty,” Amat added.

“Forester Hansda had a revolver with him on the intervening day when he was on duty and there was an exchange of fire. However, two accused poachers have been arrested in connection with the killing of Hansda and both of them were locals,” PCCF (Wildlife) Sushil Kumar Popli said.

“At least 16 more vehicles will be provided for surveillance in Similipal forest within eight to ten days. Presently, there are about 27 such vehicles in Similipal. We are intensifying patrolling in the region. Squads comprising around 600 locals were formed at 220 key camps in the forest. Each squad has eight to ten persons. Moreover, forest personnel have been provided with firearms in vulnerable areas. I request the association to withdraw its decision of not patrolling,” Popli expressed.