Anantnag, Dec 18 (KNO): The residents of the Sirhma area in Bijbehara hamlet of south Kashmir's Anantnag district have demanded immediate intervention of higher authorities to trap wild animals and ensure public safety after two children lost their lives in separate incidents over the past two months.
The residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the frequent movement of wild animals, particularly leopards, near human habitations, has turned daily life into a nightmare, with children and elderly people being the most vulnerable.
They said that despite repeated appeals, no concrete steps have been taken so far to prevent such tragic incidents.
Locals have urged the concerned department and district administration to immediately launch a special operation to trap or relocate the wild animals roaming close to residential areas.
They also demanded the installation of high-mast lights and proper street lighting in and around villages, especially near forest fringes, pathways, and water sources where people move during early morning and evening hours.
“We are living in constant fear. Parents are scared to send their children outside, even during the daytime. Two innocent lives have already been lost in just two months, yet the authorities are moving at a very slow pace,” said a local.
People demanded regular night patrols by forest officials, deployment of quick response teams, and awareness drives to educate residents on safety measures until the threat is eliminated.
Kashmir has witnessed a rise in human-wildlife conflict in recent months due to shrinking forest habitats, deforestation, and the expansion of human settlements near forest zones. Wild animals are now frequently spotted near homes, orchards, and livestock sheds, particularly after sunset.
In the past two months, two children were killed in separate incidents in Khiram and Wopzan areas of Bijbehara after being attacked by wild animals, plunging the entire area into mourning and panic.
Residents said poor lighting, lack of fencing, and delayed response from concerned departments have further aggravated the situation.
They have appealed to the government to take immediate and long-term measures to prevent further loss of life, stressing that the safety of civilians, especially children, must be treated as a top priority—(KNO)