Tangmarg, May 15: Residents of Kachipora, Ratnipora, and Hardu Madam villages in Tangmarg are living in fear due to the presence of three leopards that have been roaming the area for the past week.
The leopards have caused significant distress, particularly among farmers and apple orchard owners, who now avoid their fields and orchards, especially at night. The situation is particularly alarming for small children and the elderly, who are afraid to leave their homes.
Malik Gowhar Ahmed, a resident of Hardu Madam, described the evening chaos that grips the village as the leopards establish their dominance in the area. “As soon as the evening comes, the village is filled with chaos because the leopards have established their rule here,” he said.
In response to the threat, the Department of Wildlife in Tangmarg has installed iron cages in the affected villages in an attempt to capture the leopards. Despite these measures, the fear remains palpable among the villagers.
The Wildlife Department has issued a public advisory, urging residents to exercise caution when leaving their homes. “We appeal to the residents to be vigilant and careful while going out,” a department spokesperson said.
