From Our Correspondent
BAGHMARA, June 13: A herd of wild elephants injured a local resident on Friday afternoon while he was travelling along the National Highway near Gasuapara in South Garo Hills district.
The incident occurred around 2 pm in Kondok village when one Kalai Marak encountered the elephants, which have been lingering in the area for over two weeks, leaving residents in fear and sleepless at night.
Confirming the incident, South Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Shailendra Bamaniya, informed that the victim was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
This is not the first such incident. On May 31, another resident of Gasuapara was killed after he ran into a group of wild elephants while returning home from visiting his daughter in a boarding school, in roughly the same area.
The same herd, reportedly in search of food, also destroyed a house in Kondok village last night while the family took shelter in a corner of their home.
Locals claim the elephants have camped in the area for an extended period, resulting in several man-animal conflict incidents in recent days. Despite the recurring danger, they allege that the Wildlife department has not made any presence in the area.
“This has been taking place every year and we have informed the department about it. However, despite our repeated calls for help, the department seems to be least bothered about our lives. We are currently helpless in the face of these elephants and have nowhere to turn to,” said a local resident.
Meanwhile, residents are now urging the state authorities to establish a Wildlife base camp in the area to safeguard both human lives and the elephants.
Reacting to the latest incident, Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE) president of Gasuapara, Callyneccan Ch. Sangma, criticised the government for its apathy toward the villagers’ repeated pleas.
“Due to the indifference and failure of the state government or the Wildlife department in providing safety measures, many villages in Garo Hills are increasingly facing incidents of animal attacks, damage to property and loss of lives,” said Callyneccan, while demanding the set-up of a base camp on NH-62 near the Kondok-Angratuli Reserve area.
He also referred to two recent victims, Chondra Shira and Roman Marak, who were trampled to death by elephants, and urged the government to provide immediate relief to their bereaved families.
“Our CM, Forest Minister or the Wildlife Department must act foresightedly considering the safety of residents in the future, and all wild animals must be moved to a wildlife sanctuary or national park. If they do not heed our voice and continue to neglect us, the public or CSOs will be compelled to take strong action against the wildlife authorities,” said the ADE president.
