'I respect you immensely' - Kevin Pietersen lauds PM Narendra Modi's anti-rhino poaching efforts

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his anti-rhino poaching efforts. Pietersen has been very vocal about the conservation of rhinos and illegal poaching of the animal. Since 2008, rhino poaching has been a big issue in African nations and Assam. In African nations, predominantly South Africa, less than 500 rhinos were killed till every till 2011. In 2012, the cruelty increased with more than 500 rhinos poached. Next year, the numbers got worse as more than 1000 rhinos were murdered each year till 2017.

Since 2018, the killing has gone down but it is still prevalent in the continent. The former England skipper, on numerous occasions, has shown his anger and disgust against the cruelty on his social media accounts. People in Africa share pictures of poaching with pride. As far as Assam is concerned, from 2000 to 2015, 153 were poached in the state. The numbers dropped to 18 in 2016, while only six, seven, three and two rhinos were killed in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. Last year, only one rhino was killed.

Organiser Weekly shared the last year statistics on their official Twitter Handle. Pietersen replied on the tweet praising the Indian Prime Minister and all the men and women who are working hard to save lives of animals.

“Bravo, PM Narendra Modi and bravo to all the men and women who sacrifice their lives in protecting the animals in India too. I’ve met lots of them and I respect you immensely!” Pietersen tweeted.

Bravo, @narendramodi and bravo to all the men and women who sacrifice their lives in protecting the animals in India too. I’ve met lots of them and I respect you immensely! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/x4P0fZs5co

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 19, 2022

We have burned stockpile a rhino horns : Assam CM says to Kevin Pietersen

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the 41-year-old and revealed that a lot of rhino horns stockpile was burned by his government.

“Thanks for the acknowledgment @KP24. Inspired by Our PM @narendramodi we’ve launched aggressive programs to curb poaching. We’re proud to have burnt and destroyed a stockpile of Rhino horns, largest ever in the world, on World Rhino Day to send a stern message to poachers and syndicate,” Himanta tweeted.

The right-hander replied that the move is inspirational and hoped that the African nations will follow the same.

“Very inspirational! Well done. I wish Africa could follow your lead!” he posted.

Very inspirational! Well done. I wish Africa could follow your lead! 🙏🏽

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 19, 2022