The Government of India enacted the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972 to prevent poaching, smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. But, illegal hunting of animals is still taking place in several cities across the country. However, for every poacher, there is one conscientious person doing all it takes to protect the wild animals.
Mukesh Bishnoi, a 15-year-old from Balesar village, Jodhpur, is one such person who didn’t think twice before facing two armed poachers to protect the wildlife around his village.
He is Mukesh Bishnoi, Age 15 yrs, Class 10 student. Yesterday night heard a gun shot, ran towards that direction with two of his other friends. Had a faceoff with two armed (Licensed 303 Rifle) Chinkara poachers. Able to overpowered gunned poacher after a good tussle. pic.twitter.com/Hvk4HAVGcI
— The ERDS Foundation (@and_ecology) May 11, 2020
According to NDTV, on the night of 10th May, while he was out, Mukesh heard gunshots. That’s when he rushed to the spot and came face to face with two poachers armed with a licensed 303 rifle. The poachers had just hunted a Chinkara (Indian gazelle).
Showing immense courage, the class 10 student, along with two of his friends decided to confront them. After giving them a tough fight, the school kids were able to overpower the armed poachers. However, the poachers managed to escape leaving their guns behind. They also took the dead Chinkara along with them.
The story of Mukesh’s bravery was shared on Twitter.
Listen his story by himself only. pic.twitter.com/xd479XGIx3
— The ERDS Foundation (@and_ecology) May 12, 2020
People online praised Mukesh and his friends for showing tremendous courage to protect wildlife.
He is Mukesh Bishnoi from Jodhpur(15), Class 10 student. Yesterday night heard a gun shot, ran towards that direction with two of his other friends. Had a faceoff with two armed (.303) Chinkara poachers. Able to overpowered gunned poacher after a good tussle. Kudos. @and_ecology pic.twitter.com/apNQjQxFFo
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) May 11, 2020
Glad to hear that he is safe and in good health🙏🏼 Please continue the good works…poachers are a menace. Please also pass “Sabash” to the brave fellow!
— Ravi V (@RaviV19) May 12, 2020
His courage is exemplary. Salute🙏
— Dr Bhagirath Manda IRS (@DrBhageerathIRS) May 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/147Snazzy/status/1259894242647904256
Bishnoi community is always at forefront in conservation and protection of wildlife.
— Dr Bhagirath Manda IRS (@DrBhageerathIRS) May 11, 2020
Give this kid bravery award. It's exemplary devotion towards life of an animal of such beauty and grace. My respect 🙏🙏
— Vaibhav Keshary (@VaibhavKeshary) May 11, 2020
A hero bearing a heroic tradition. https://t.co/Th045oNFFQ
— Sumati Mehrishi (@sumati_mehrishi) May 12, 2020
It is commendable how these teenagers didn’t think twice before risking their lives to save wildlife. More power to these young men for setting up such a positive example.
cover image: left