Bear injures three persons in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 30 (UNI) A wild bear attacked and injured three persons in south Kashmir district of Anantnag, official sources said.

They said a bear suddenly appeared in village Malpora in Anantnag district and attacked the villagers, injuring three people.

The injured were later hospitlised, officials said adding the bear escaped into the forest area.

This was the second attack in south Kashmir by wild animals during the past two days. On August 28 one person was killed by a Leopard at village Manzgam Noorabad.

The man-animal conflict has increased in the Kashmir valley in the recent past.

About 75 people including women and children, were killed and 330 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 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 MYK SLD CS1822