Leopard kills child in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 20 (UNI) A leopard killed a five-year-old girl in north Kashmir district of Baramulla, official sources said today.

They said a leopard suddendly appeared at village Khaipora, Tangmarg in Baramulla district when people were busy in their work.

The animal attacked Shugufta before the villagers could save her.

She was rushed to hospital where she was declared brought dead, sources said.

The leopard later managed to escape back into forest, they added.

The man-animal conflict has claimed about 80 lives, including women and children, while 330 others were injured in the beast attacks in Jammu and Kashmir during the past two years.

However, about a dozen wild animals were also killed by the people in retaliation in the state. People rejected 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 ASM SP BD1620