Bukhari calls for action on rising human-animal conflicts

Srinagar, Dec 07: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has expressed his profound grief over the tragic incident in Handwara where a toddler playing at home was attacked and mauled to death by a leopard on Friday evening.
In his statement issued here, Bukhari termed the tragic incident as “deeply painful and inconsolable”. He said, “The incidents of human-animal conflict have become a daily happening in the valley. The latest tragedy unfolded on Friday evening in Sharhama village of Handwara, where a toddler playing at home was attacked and mauled to death by a leopard. This deeply painful and inconsolable tragedy underscores the gravity of the problem.”
Bukhari added, “One wonders what are our experts and the wildlife department doing to prevent these tragedies and protect lives. Despite the seriousness of the issue, it seems that not enough is being done to address this issue. I have been informed that the wildlife department is neither well-equipped nor adequately staffed to tackle these challenges effectively.”
Urging the administration to take immediate measures to prevent human-animal conflicts and protect human lives, the Apni Party chief said, “The administration cannot shy away from its responsibility. The injuries and deaths caused by human-animal conflicts must be prevented. The administration must act immediately to protect lives and educate people of the vulnerable village about the preventive measures.”