PULPALLY, India – Following the tragic death of a man killed by wild elephants in Kerala’s Wayanad district, a protest took a violent turn on Saturday, with demonstrators demanding a lasting solution to the escalating threat from wild animals. The hartal was called by major political parties including the United Democratic Front, the Left Democratic Front, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, in response to the third such death in less than a month.
The protest turned violent in Pulpally, as demonstrators blocked roads, vandalized a vehicle belonging to the Forest department, and attacked police. They also expressed anger towards local Congress legislators and demanded government intervention in mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the district. Prohibitory orders have since been issued in Pulpally panchayat for two days.
In response to the increasing wildlife attacks in the district, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered a high-level ministerial meeting in Wayanad to finalize measures to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. This decision comes after three people have been killed in wildlife attacks in the district since January 30.
One of the victims, Paul – an employee of the Kuruva Tourism Project, was attacked by a herd of elephants on Friday and tragically succumbed to his injuries after not receiving timely medical attention. This lack of medical care is just one of the many issues confronting the hilly district. The situation has prompted Congress leader and Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi, to cut short his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Uttar Pradesh to visit the kin of the three persons recently killed by wild animals in the district.
The protesters have demanded an assurance from the government that a solatium of ₹50 lakh would be given to Paul’s kin, the capture of the attacking elephant, and the caging of a tiger that has been causing panic among Pulpally’s residents. The mob refused to allow Paul’s body to be shifted for funeral rites until the government gave an assurance to their demands. Later, Wayanad District Magistrate and District panchayat members met the victim’s family and promised immediate financial support and other assistance.
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has expressed empathy for the public cause propounded by the protestors. However, he highlighted the need for a sustainable solution and cautioned against violence towards wildlife enforcers, police, and elected people’s representatives. The Opposition Leader has also urged the government to take all possible steps to address the concerns of the public and ensure protection from wildlife attacks.
The combing operation to capture the elephant which killed a farmer in the district a week ago was unsuccessful for the seventh day on Saturday, leaving the community in fear and frustration. With tensions high and demands pressing, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad has never been more urgent.