Baramulla, June 19: A wave of terror has engulfed the residents of Dargam village in Pattan as a rogue leopard continues its reign of fear, targeting local livestock for the past four months.
With frequent sightings and escalating concerns, the villagers are growing increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as the wildlife authorities’ lackluster response, leaving them feeling defenseless and abandoned.
According to local reports, the leopard and its cubs have struck fear into the hearts of villagers by brazenly encroaching on residential areas and even infiltrating home yards, causing panic and distress among the community.
In a particularly alarming incident last week, the leopard entered the home of Ishfaq Ahmad, a local resident, sending shockwaves throughout the village.
Reacting to the escalating threat, a concerned member of the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) appealed to the wildlife authorities to install traps to capture the troublesome leopard.
“Shockingly, the authorities revealed their inability to provide the necessary trap-carrying vehicle,” said the villager.
The villagers’ mounting frustration has been compounded by the wildlife authorities’ lack of action, leaving them feeling trapped in their own homes, especially after 8 pm when the leopard’s presence becomes more pronounced.
Ghulam Hassan Wani, a prominent social activist, expressed his dismay, stating that the people of Dargam have effectively been imprisoned due to the apathy and negligence displayed by the wildlife department.
It is believed that the leopard’s cubs are accompanying their mother during these attacks, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
Local residents argue that the authorities’ failure to apprehend the leopard reflects a disregard for their safety and well-being.
When contacted by Rising Kashmir, Wildlife Warden of the North Division, Mohammad Maqbool Baba, voiced his concerns about the scarcity of staff, which has made it challenging for the department to deploy personnel to unfamiliar locations.
“Capturing a wild animal, especially leopards, is an arduous task that requires meticulous tracking for days before successfully apprehending them. We are committed to utilizing all available resources to capture the wild animal,” he assured.
“In the meantime, we urge the public to remain vigilant.”
The residents of Dargam village in Pattan await swift action from the wildlife authorities, hoping to reclaim their sense of security and put an end to the reign of terror imposed by the elusive leopard.
