MAWKYRWAT, July 17: A herd of 13 wild elephants caused extensive damage to property and plantations in Kolomboit village under the Ranikor Civil Subdivision on Tuesday night.
The elephants destroyed one residential house and ravaged crops including betel nuts, pineapples and ginger.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ralding Kharryja, a resident of the village, said the herd destroyed hundreds of his betel nut trees before flattening his home.
“Fortunately, no one was in the house that night as my wife, children, and I were away,” Kharryja said.
He noted that this was not an isolated incident and that the elephants remain on the outskirts of the village.
The recurring attacks have created a “fear psychosis” among the local community. Farmers are reportedly afraid to visit their fields after being chased by the animals.
Meanwhile, villagers stated that the herd has been active in the Ranikor area for about four years.
They have also urged the state government to provide immediate protection and compensate the affected farmers for their losses.
