Guwahati, Jan 31: A forest guard lost his life during a wild elephant control operation in Assam’s Nagaon district, prompting the Assam Forest Employees’ Association to declare him a ‘Forest Martyr’ and press for higher compensation and government employment for his family.
The incident took place in the early hours of January 29 at Chamdora village under Kaliabor, where Dilip Konwar (56), a forest guard posted with the Silghat Range Office of the Shalna Forest Division under the Nagaon Forest Circle, was deployed to prevent human–elephant conflict. According to official accounts, Konwar was part of a five-member team sent around midnight to manage the movement of a wild elephant and ensure the safety of local residents. The team included two forest personnel, two armed members of the Assam Forest Protection Force and a casual forest worker.
While the operation succeeded in protecting villagers and averting damage, tragedy struck at around 3:30 am when Konwar was attacked by the elephant during the course of duty. He was reportedly trampled and died on the spot, sending shockwaves through the Forest Department and the surrounding area.
Konwar is survived by his wife Jonali Konwar, his two sons Bikash Konwar and Sarat Konwar, and other family members. The Assam Forest Employees’ Association, in a joint statement issued by its office bearers, expressed profound grief over the loss and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Highlighting that several forest personnel have lost their lives in recent years while carrying out wildlife protection and conflict mitigation work, the association called for a one-time compensation of at least Rs 20 lakh for Konwar’s family. It also urged the state government to provide employment in the Forest Department to one eligible family member, depending on educational qualification.
Terming Dilip Konwar a ‘Forest Martyr’ (Ban Shahid), the association said he made the ultimate sacrifice while performing his duty to protect civilians from wildlife threats, and stressed the need for stronger institutional support for frontline forest staff working under hazardous conditions.
