Youth killed in leopard attack in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 6: A youth was killed in a leopard attack in north Kashmir, leading to massive protests and forcing authorities to burst teargas shells Wednesday, Aug 6. Official sources said, a leopard, which had come down from the nearby forest, suddenly appeard at village Binner in Baramulla district.

The youth, who was walking near his house, was attacked by the leopard. However, before other villagers could rescue him, the leopard mauled him to death. Later, the villagers protested against the incident alleging that the government, particuarly wildlife department, had failed to protect the villagers from wild animals.

Raising anti-govenment slogans, they alleged that this was the second such incident in the village during the past few months.

So far 58 people including women and children, were killed and 325 others injured in the beast attacks in Jammu and Kashmir during the past two years.

Official sources said about a dozen wild animals were also killed by the people in retaliation in the state. People reject the protests by NOGs, alleging that these animals have killed and wounded many women and children in the state.

The state has formulated a comprehensive management plan for containing such incidents. The plan includes involving infrastructural strengthening, awareness campaign and better communication.

The Plan has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and State Planning Department for financial assistance.

UNI