Lion kills child in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 17 (UNI) A lion killed a seven-year-old boy in north Kashmir, official sources said today.

They said the lion attacked Arif Ahmad Mir, when he was playing outside his house at Rajpora Baramulla.

The mutilated body of the boy was recovered from the forest area by villagers, the sources said.

About 70 people including women and children, were killed and 325 others injured by the beast 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 NGOs, 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 BAS FMH LPB RK1510