Assam team to visit Tamil Nadu paving way for Joymala’s return
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- In view of the reported inhumane treatment meted out to a captive elephant in Tamil Nadu (which was taken from Assam), State chief minister discussed with the forest department in presence of environment minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in the city and planned for necessary initiatives to return back Joymala. A four-member team comprising additional principal chief conservator of forests Hirdesh Mishra, Assam Agriculture University professor Kushal Kumar Sarma, Morigaon police chief Aparna Natarajan and veterinary officer Rupjyoti Kakoti is leaving for Tamilnadu on Friday with an aim to inspect the condition of Joymala. The issue gained momentum soon after a video, relased by PeTA India, went viral on social media where a man was seen torturing an elephant in a temple of Tamil Nadu. The elephant, named Joymala, was leased out to the temple authority in 2008 for only six months, but it was not sent back to Assam. It is alleged that the State forest authority has failed to convince its Tamil Nadu counterpart for her return. PM sends appreciative letter to Sarma: Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanks CM Sarma for sending him a packet of fresh litchis from Tezpur. In a letter sent to Sarma, PM Modi expressed thanks for the fresh, high quality, GI tagged Tezpur litchis. Grown in organic settings, the Tezpur litchis has carved out a niche for itself in the international market, said Modi, adding its reputation across the country and outside would enhance the spirit of ‘vocal for local’. Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, Sarma said his appreciation will encourage the local litchi farmers to work harder.