In a significant gesture for wildlife conservation, Dr. Tagat Taggu, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), surrendered his licensed 12-bore Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) gun at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in East Siang District on Monday. Dr. Taggu, a resident of Bilat village in East Siang, voluntarily handed over the firearm in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, EAC Sanjay Taram, and Labour Officer Tore Ete. He emphasized that his action stemmed from a strong personal commitment to protect the state’s dwindling wildlife and to discourage harmful hunting practices that threaten biodiversity.
“This is my small contribution toward preserving our rich but endangered wildlife. I hope this act will inspire others to reflect on their responsibility toward nature,” Dr. Taggu expressed. His initiative aligns with the broader mission of the “Airgun Surrender Abhiyan,” a campaign initiated by former Environment and Forest Minister and current Home Minister Mama Natung. This campaign successfully encouraged the surrender of thousands of airguns across Arunachal Pradesh, earning acclaim as a pioneering movement in community-driven wildlife protection.
Despite the campaign’s achievements, challenges persist, particularly the use of advanced telescopic airguns for illegal hunting. Conservationists warn that without a total ban on the sale and possession of airguns—which don’t require licensing—the problem will continue, especially regarding small wildlife such as birds and squirrels. Dr. Taggu’s choice to surrender a licensed gun, which is generally more challenging to acquire than airguns, sends a compelling message highlighting the increasing public awareness regarding the inappropriate use of licensed firearms like SBBL, DBBL, and .22 rifles. These weapons, originally intended for self-defense or property protection, are often misused for poaching.
Many firearm owners have shown a willingness to surrender their guns if the government introduces a fair compensation policy or provides alternative solutions such as pistols or revolvers for legitimate self-defense requirements. This growing sentiment underscores a collective move towards a more responsible approach to wildlife conservation and public safety.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-doctor-turns-conservationist-dr-taggu-surrenders-licensed-gun-to-protect-wildlife-1213126-2025-05-13?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-13 22:51:00
