Guwahati: A chilling video has come to light depicting the plight of Assam‘s captive elephant Joymala.
In a deeply disturbing video, which surfaced online recently, four manhouts can be seen holding iron ankush and aggressively threatening the gentle giant during a religious procession in Tamil Nadu.
Besides, the elephant was also shackled with heavy metal chains around the ankle.
The footage has sparked outrage and renewed calls for the protection of the captive elephant.
Ankush is a tool that was used as an elephant goad in handling and training elephants. It has a pointed hook usually made of iron and this is used as the main tool in handling the elephant.
Arun Prasanna, founder of Chennai-based NGO People For Cattle in India (PFCI), said: “The footage of elephant Joymala being threatened by four mahouts wielding four iron ankushes is extremely heartbreaking. This clearly shows that the Srivilliputhur Andal temple authorities have violated the recommendation by the District Level Captive Elephants Welfare Committee (DLCEW).”
“As captive elephants are often conditioned through the use of weapons, the mere sight and threat of an iron ankush can trigger a traumatic response in these sensitive animals,” Prasanna said.
“The Rajasthan High Court has already prohibited the use of an iron ankus on February 26, 2010. The Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, has asked all states of India to take immediate action to implement the orders of the High Court,” he said.
Joymala was transported to Tamil Nadu from Tinsukia district of Assam on the basis of an NOC and transit pass issued by Assam on September 8, 2011, permitting the animal to be retained in the Nachiyar temple in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district for a period of three years.
However, after the expiry of the term of the no objection certificate (NOC), the elephant has not been returned to Assam.
The elephant is under the possession of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple since 2011 and is being regularly used for ritual purpose in the temple.
The Assam government had filed a petition in Guwahati High Court seeking the custody of Joyamala.
The matter will come up for hearing at Gauhati High Court on Tuesday.
PFCI was established in 2012 with a focus on preventing illegal cattle trafficking and slaughter and other animal protection issues.
ALSO READ: Chennai NGO offers mechanical elephant to temple in exchange for Assam’s captive elephant ‘Joymala’
Earlier, in a letter to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department commissioner, the PFCI had offered to gift a mechanical elephant to the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu in exchange for the release of ‘Joymala’.
