Nine teams formed to check leopard menace in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 15 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir police and the wildlife department today formed seven special and two quick response teams to check the menace of man-eater leopard in Chatergul area of Anantnag district.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, S M Sahai today visited Chatergul to take stock of the situation following the killing of four children by the leopard within four days.

The teams would set up ambush at the identified locations to nab the leopard, the IGP said and appealed to the locals to cooperate with the authorities in this regard.

If the people continue to take out protest marches, it would be difficult for authorities to tackle the menace, he added.

The two quick response teams would be pressed into service as and when news regarding the presence of any wild animal was received.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had yesterday announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to a person for information about the location of the man-eater leopard or trap the animal.

Minister of State for Power and Health Peer Mohammad Hussain announced the reward while condoling the death of 8-year-old Rayeesa, a resident of Achabal Halkha, in the attack by the leopard in Chatergul area on Saturday.

He said in view of the alarming situation, all the agencies concerned such as the Wildlife department, police, para-military forces, the Forest Protection Force and the Army have been directed to immediately trap the animal and ensure the safety and security of the people of the area.

Referring to the police action against protestors of Chatergul area on Saturday, Mr Hussain assured that those police personnel found involved in dealing unlawfully, should be taken to task and action under rules would be initiated against them.

He also appealed to the people to cooperate with the government agencies engaged in trapping the wild animal.

UNI