Staffs at forest outposts feel insecure
Staff Correspondent, Khulna
Officers and guards working at 77 patrol outposts under four ranges of Sundarbans Forest Division (SFD) are reportedly feeling insecure in the face of frequent armed attacks by pirates.According to a highly placed source at SFD, there are 200 rifles in 36 out of 77 patrol outposts and most of these 303 rifles are outdated. On the other hand, pirates are possessing most modern arms. Sources said it is not at all possible for forest guards to face pirates with 50-to-60- year-old arms and ammunitions. Moreover, most of these patrol outposts are manned by two to three forest guards only. Despite several reminders, authorities concerned are yet to respond to their appeal for replacing outdated arms and ammunitions with new ones. As a result, forest guards do not feel secure in performing their patrol duties risking their own lives. The entire Sundarbans has been a safe haven for criminals since last five years, sources said. Its resources are being plundered recklessly and piracies have been rampant right under the nose of helpless and insecure forest officers and guards.
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