Two Golden Langurs Electrocuted Within a Month: Kakoijana Residents Warn of Strong Protests if Government Fails to Act

Bongaigaon, Assam | July 31: Concern and anger are mounting in Assam's Bongaigaon district after two endangered golden langurs died from electrocution within a month near the Kakoijana Reserved Forest. Local residents have blamed the repeated incidents on the alleged negligence of the power department and have warned of intensified protests if immediate preventive measures are not taken.

The latest incident occurred on Friday, where another golden langur was electrocuted after reportedly coming into contact with an exposed power line. The tragic death has cast a shadow of grief over the area, particularly as it comes less than a month after another golden langur was killed in a similar incident on July 4.

The Kakoijana Reserved Forest, one of the most important habitats of the endangered golden langur, is home to a significant population of the rare primate, which is found only in a few parts of the world. The langurs frequently move through nearby villages and are considered an integral part of the local community.

However, residents say their natural habitat has become increasingly unsafe due to exposed electricity lines. According to locals, repeated complaints about dangerous overhead wires in areas frequently used by golden langurs have been ignored by the electricity department, resulting in avoidable wildlife deaths.

The back-to-back electrocution deaths have sparked widespread outrage among villagers and wildlife enthusiasts. They fear that if such incidents continue, the survival of the already vulnerable species could face a serious threat.

Residents have demanded that the Forest Department and the Power Department jointly undertake immediate measures to safeguard the golden langurs. They have urged authorities to replace exposed electric lines with insulated cables, remove hazardous wiring from wildlife movement corridors, and implement permanent safety measures to prevent further casualties.

The locals have also appealed to Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah to personally intervene and ensure a swift resolution to the issue.

Expressing frustration over the continued loss of the endangered animals, one resident alleged that golden langurs have been dying from electrocution since 2012–13, yet the government has failed to take effective action.

He warned that if the authorities continue to ignore the issue, the people of Kakoijana would launch stronger protests.

"We are determined to protect the golden langurs by every possible means. If the administration acts, we will remain peaceful. Otherwise, we will return to the streets and intensify our agitation," he said.

Golden langurs are not only a symbol of Kakoijana but also a source of pride for Assam. Conservationists and local residents believe that unless urgent preventive measures are implemented, more of these endangered primates may fall victim to electrocution in the coming days.

The repeated incidents have once again raised a critical question among residents: How many more golden langurs must die before effective action is taken?