Leopard kils woman in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 22 (UNI) In a second incident in the past 48 hrs another woman was killed by a leopard, as the man-animal conflict has increased in the Kashmir valley, claiming more than 80 lives and injuring 330 others in the state during the past two years.

In retaliation about a dozen wild animals were also killed by the agitated people during the period.

A report from Baramulla said a leopard entered village Tekipora, adjacent to woods, in this north Kashmir district last evening.

However, before villagers could do anything, leopard attacked and critically wounded a woman Khateeja. She was immediately rushed to hospital where she was declared brought dead.

The leopard later managed to escape back into woods, official sources said.

A leopard killed a five-year-old girl at village Khaipora, Tangmarg in Baramulla on September 20.

More than 80 people, including women and children, have lost their lives and 330 others were wounded in the beast attacks in Jammu and Kashmir during the past two years.

Agitated people, in retaliation, also killed about a dozen wild animals rejecting the protests by NGOs, alleging that these animals have killed and wounded many women and children in the state.

To meet the challenge of this grave threat, 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 SP MIR KP1429