Protecting Wildlife: Killing Of Some 25 Rare Species Of Deer Goes Unchecked In Tharparkar

Protecting Wildlife: Killing Of Some 25 Rare Species Of Deer Goes Unchecked In Tharparkar
Thari activists took to the streets of Mithi on Wednesday, March 16, to protest against the killing of rare species of deer in their area.

The activists, including Aftab Samejo, Aijaz Baloch, Ashraf Nizam Nohrio, Huzoor Bux Junejo, Zulfikar Ali Unar, Mumtaz Nohrio, Haider Ali and others, marched from Sadiq Fakir Chowk to Kashmir Chowk in Mithi, Sindh, demanding stringent actions against hunters and poachers involved in the illegal killings. They alleged that local officials, posted in the sensitive district to protect birds and animals, like deer and blue bulls, facilitate the culprits.

In a recent incident, some 25 to 30 deer were killed. Although the wildlife officials were informed about the incident, they did not take action against the villagers involved in the crime.
Deer are usually targeted in Chelhar and Parkar area -- to prepare a feast at marriage ceremonies of influential in Tharparkar. Serving deer meat at parties hosted by the bigwigs in Tharparkar and the neighbouring districts has become customary.

Deer are usually targeted in Chelhar and Parkar area -- to prepare a feast at marriage ceremonies of influential in Tharparkar. Serving deer meat at parties hosted by the bigwigs in Tharparkar and the neighbouring districts has become customary.

Representatives of the Karoonjhar Sujag Forum, including Allah Rakhio, Zulfikar Ali Khoso, Ghulam Mustafa Dal, Ramesh Karoonjhari, Dileep, Sagir Khaskheli and others also expressed deep concern over the unchecked hunting of deer and blue bulls in different villages of Parkar. The activists allege that since the officials are minting money from this illegal activity, their trust in them to fix the system is low. They said that hunters are able to transport their game easily through the check posts.

Sources said that influential political figures have constructed villas in Nagarparkar and other areas of the Parkar region to hunt and facilitate ‘royal hunters’ from other countries.

The writer can be reached at hanifsamoon@gmail.com