Man-eater leopard remains elusive; hunt on in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 16 (UNI) The man-eater leopard that has killed four children in Chatergul area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir in just four days continued to remain elusive despite a massive hunt launched by wildlife authorities and police to trap the animal.

The Jammu and Kashmir government had already announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to a person who would provide information about the location of the 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.

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

Police and the wildlife department have also formed seven special and two quick response teams to nab the leopard.

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

UNI