DC urges residents to stay indoors till wild animal is caught
Budgam: Following another fatal attack on a minor child in the Khansahib area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the Wildlife Department issued shoot-at-sight orders on Friday to eliminate the “man-eater” leopard.
The Khansahib area has been gripped with fear and anguish after a series of leopard attacks claimed the lives of two minor girls and left a minor boy injured within a span of 17 days.
Toiba Mushtaq, 7, daughter of Mushtaq Ahmad, was taken from the lawns of her home during the evening hours, and her body was later discovered in nearby bushes. Notably, a 9-year-old girl was fatally attacked, while a minor boy sustained injuries in a separate incident involving a leopard in the neighbouring village of Samsan within the past 17 days.
Altaf Hussain, Wildlife Warden (Central), told KNO that they have issued the shoot-at-sight order for the “man-eater” leopard.
“Our first priority will be tranquilising or trapping the animal, but if these measures fail, shooting will be considered. After assessing the situation, orders have been issued to hunt down the said animal following the necessary formalities,” he said.
Over the past 17 days, the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has conducted extensive search operations, utilising drones in various areas where the presence of the leopard is suspected.
Officials have advised residents to stay indoors, especially during morning and evening hours, to avoid further attacks until the leopard is captured.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo asked people in the area to stay indoors, particularly in the morning and evening, and to take extra care of their children by not letting them go outside.
Speaking to media persons following his visit to Hariwani, the DC advised people to exercise extra caution until the operation is over, especially with regard to their children, and to walk in groups to prevent any more unfortunate incidents.
