Human is the most intelligent creatures in this earth or we may say to this Universe as much, known to the intelligence of humankind. The possibility of other potential species in the galaxy that are intelligent is still a big question. Scientist like Stephen Hawking believes that one day human will have their colonies in parts of this universe. Human species are gifted with the natural wisdom rather in the language of Tao, the ecological wisdom. A wisdom for self organization and maintain its very existence. Nature which can be described as the only “visible god’ has provided the earthly conditions for survival against the entire beast and other animals. Even then, humankind has a tendency to go against the law of nature and deviating from this intelligence and acting like beast- killing the concept of humanity, unknowingly a step towards self extinction. Not only they are inclining to physical killing but killing the emotions, kindness, sobriety, relationship but fellow human also. Human has created different barriers of religion, belief, political gamut and slowly destroying the natural resources for temporary benefits and their un-satiated greed. Are we really acting as intelligent element in this universe while engaging in so much of killing- the big question is the survival of humankind? No alien requires invading us and kill but we are the destroyer. Let us retrospect.
I want to highlight some of such simple feeling in this ‘killer’ series of short stories.
I
Kanai, He loves the nature. He loves the forest. Since his childhood when he was travelling to the capital with his departed father from the remote village, the road was a single track and full of pebbles and mud by the side. The local transport operated by the State is the only comfortable mode of transportation. He was thrilled for this journey always because they had to cross the huge forest area ‘The Kaziranga National Park’. Spreading over 378 sq km, and while crossing they had to travel almost 30 km through the forest. Its popularity was well known for the one horned rhinos, the rare species of animals. Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, the golden langur, the hoolock gibbon and a spectacular range of avifauna.The bus while giving side to the crossing truck was struck at the mud. They had no alternate but to wait, because the next vehicle that will come for their rescue would take two hours to reach. The bus conductor instructed them not to get out of the bus pointing towards the signboard by the side, where it was written in big letters “you are entering a wildlife area. Wait, while animals cross the road.’
5 or 6 adventurous passenger planned to go for a not too deep tour inside the forest despite the warning and had packed up for the trip. They have at least two hours to see the animals, if found any. Being a small boy could not suppress his curiosity of going into the forest and joined the group without his father’s knowledge, who was sleeping in his seat.
Just, a km away they first encountered a big, elephant almost a hundred meter away busy in capturing the bamboo leaves, another 30 to 40 were in a flock behind him deep in silence of the jungle. Only the crackling sound of bamboos echoed over the valley. The nearby wetland surrounded by the massy grass was looking like a heaven with all the swamp deer and the mighty one horned rhinos. White commontil & swamp francolin on their back. Overwhelmed by the sight of the animals. But it couldn’t last long; the call was coming for the journey to restart as the rescue bus had arrived.
II
He has just arrived at his camp after a terrible night. The poachers had attacked from the southeast side. The area is hilly and grasses are heavy. The terrain area for the unapproachable condition by road and dense forest is a heaven for the terrorist and the poachers. His boots are heavy with mud and the only 2nd pair of uniform is almost torn. The information was given by the small informer group specially designed by the department of forest. A group of farmers and play group kids who can easily sneak to those areas without much difficulties. They are inhabitants of that tribal area. Mostly the poachers come and rest in their huts and ask for food and water against some consideration. They also collect information about the forest guards roaming in the area.
By evening Kanai had a small sleep, for he knew the night will be ferocious one. Prahlad , the cowboy from Agoatoli area came running without much breathing.
‘They have come, asked about you and will stay’
‘How many?’‘Hve seen 4, may be mo… All in army dress. Bags and ammos”
‘My sis gave them vodka. They were telling some M. One Karbi and Manipuri and I don’t know’
‘Ok you go’
Hey Satya, take him to his village, he instructed to the kitchen boy at the camp. ‘
‘Ok kaka’. Both of them left.
‘This is Michal, command 4, pl speak’ the signal in his walkie-talkie rang constantly’
‘Get alert; get 2 boats, 3 elephants at dawn’
‘Ok zolo’ arranged.
Satya came back. He ordered food for all 12 of them. They must eat nicely. The night will be very busy. His other partners have arrived with all arrangement made. They have to walk for 8 km, then cross the Mora Diphalu river by boat at least for ¾ km and then they will board the two elephants waiting for.
Check your rifles. Kanai got a SLR, this time, replacing his old rifle. A must prize for him. He has fought against these bustards for his life time for saving the rhinos and other animals. He still remembers his journey by bus and his first adventure tour. His father wanted to make him a big forest officer, but could not, one day his father left him silently without informing him. He had acute asthma. At that time he was in class 8. So decided to join the forest guard and came as topper in the selection process. He has his credit in killing at least 3 dreading poachers from Myanmar. He was elevated to the rank of a ‘Nayak’ and leading a team of 12 guards. All dedicated and ready to die, dare devil, expert in swimming, climbing, rifle shooting.
They had a common pray. ‘Ali’ the boatman had his namaz before starting for the adventure. People say that Ali has an owl’s vision. He can see at night, even the snakes travelling at moonlight.
The night falls. They had travelled the distances as per the plan and kept waiting.
‘Don’t get your shoes wet. It will restrict our movement.’
He sends the signal to the other end. ‘Have you seen any Rhinos? It is their mating time. When rhinos mate they forget their existence, completely unaware of the situation and danger around them.
‘Dada, there are some movements in the grass, one of his partner is having a night vision device to track the thing, gifted by some generous American tourist.
‘50 metres from the right position.’Alert.
Then suddenly several round of firing engulfed them. Keep low, he instructed to his team. He calculated from which side the firing may come. Then instructed the other teams to take diversion towards west and south. He put the signal by the sound of a bristled grass bird.
They have M-16, keep watch at the target, the animals.
A pair of rhinos was in intimate position not knowing what is happening over there.
‘Dada, the movement is coming closure.’
‘We need to push away the animals- but how can you disturb them?’
Back up for me. He had spotted the shadow. Checked his SLR and went down the swamp.
It was knee deep water, but he had to get closure. He can’t let those bastard come near to the animal. Slowly he advanced toward the animal keeping an eye at the shadows. His watch shows the time. It was 2 o’clock. The team covered him.
Then the fierce battle started. Action was the word came from the swamp. There were several rounds of firing and cross firing. The animal somehow got the smell of danger and went inside the tall elephant grass. The whistles were ringing from every side.
‘One down’. Someone called. The firing continued.
‘Two down’ the walkie-talkie was announcing repeatedly.
The battle was over. The other poachers couldn’t resist the attack and fled.
By this time it was dawn.
The team mates kept waiting keeping low till some light was there.
‘Never underestimate your enemies’ is the mantra Kanai always tell.
Where is Kanai?
The search was on.
At 4 o’clock in the morning they found him, lying at the messy wetland, unconscious.
Two bullets pierced through his body.
‘Take him to camp. Get the ambulance ready.’
III
‘Satya’ was waiting at the hospital. Kanai loves to take black tea. The battalion commandant and the all the Forest Officers were gathering at the hospital. The minister who was enjoying holidays at the 5 star resort nearby got the news and decided to visit along with all his securities, red light vehicles and police force cordoning him. All the team mates of Kanai’s battalion had not slept. They have not even changed their dresses.
Someone was depicting the entire story to some senior officer.
The minister had no time to wait. He was supposed to leave and one inspector informed him that Kanai, the guard had regained his consciousness. He is safe.
He was delighted and came back.
‘Well done Kanai, tell me what I can do for you.’
The minister announced with all his patriotic tone. Reporters were always surrounding him, travelling with him. He posed for the camera and announced that his government is now doing all the best to save KNP from the poachers. We have successfully reverted the attempt of the poachers to save our precious animals. We are going to put electronic check posts. The camera clicked repeatedly. The police officers made their big claps and praised him.
‘I have lost my boots at the wetland sir, please send me some.’
Replied Kanai politely.
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