Itanagar, May 14: In a rare and symbolic gesture, Dr. Tagat Taggu, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), voluntarily surrendered his licensed 12-bore SBBL (Single Barrel Breech Loading) gun to promote wildlife conservation in India’s northeastern frontier state of Arunachal Pradesh.

While voluntary weapon surrender in the name of conservation is not new to this region, Dr. Taggu’s act is especially noteworthy, not just because of the weapon involved but also because of the intent behind it.

“My only motive is to protect wildlife and discourage its killing,” said Dr. Taggu, whose decision reflects a growing consciousness among citizens to take responsibility for nature, beyond rhetoric. “I hope this step inspires others to realise their role in safeguarding nature.”

Arunachal Pradesh’s now internationally acclaimed Airgun Surrender Abhiyan (ASA) was launched in March 2021 by Mama Natung, then Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and now the state’s Home Minister. The campaign urges members of tribal communities — many of whom have long-standing hunting traditions — to give up their airguns voluntarily in a bid to protect rapidly declining populations of birds and animals.

Since its launch, the ASA has seen the surrender of thousands of airguns, and the initiative has even drawn praise from international conservation circles for its community-driven, non-coercive approach.

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