Locals seek govt action, threaten to kill elephants
From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Oct 18: Wild elephants wreaked havoc in a village in South West Khasi Hills, causing damage to the properties of the villagers.
The incident occurred at Panchering village in Ranikor civil subdivision on the night of October 16 during which the wild elephants destroyed plantations, including betel nuts, betel leaves, banana trees, and other crops, and damaged one house in the village.
M. Kharbani, the Myntri of Panchering village, reported that the house, which was damaged, belonged to one (L) Jestar Syiem and was used by his brothers for farming purposes. Fortunately, no one was injured as they were away in Nongnah village at the time of the incident.
According to the Myntri, on the morning of October 17, villagers attempted to drive the elephants away but were unsuccessful due to a lack of proper equipment.
Kharbani stated that the elephants remain near the village, posing a continued threat.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the attack, villagers are urging the state government to take swift action to prevent further attacks.
They have also submitted three key demands to the state government — protection for farmers and residents, immediate removal of the elephants from the area, and compensation for the damages to crops and property.
Kharbani also warned that if the government fails to act, the people may be forced to take matters into their own hands and kill the elephants.