Uri: Panic struck Nambla village in the Uri Subdivision on Tuesday when a leopard ventured into the residential area, leading to a harrowing encounter that left two persons injured including a wildlife official.
The courage of a local resident in saving the life of a wildlife officer during the attack stood out as a remarkable act of bravery.
As dawn broke, the residents of Nambala were taken aback when a leopard was spotted near the old Primary Health Center (PHC) in the village. The presence of the wild beast sent shockwaves through the village, prompting immediate action.
Panicked villagers swiftly contacted the Wildlife Department, and a response team, led by Raja Sohail, was dispatched to the scene, accompanied by officers from the Uri Police joined by local residents.
The situation took a dangerous turn when the gathered crowd inadvertently agitated the leopard, causing it to attack a member of the Wildlife Department Abdul Khaliq Lone. In a heroic act of valour, Imran Ahmad Kakroo, a local resident, fearlessly leapt into action. He bravely tackled the leopard, preventing further harm to the wildlife official Lone, and managed to kick the beast away after jumping over it
In the melee, both Kakroo and wildlife official Lone injured individuals were promptly transported to Sub-District Hospital Uri for medical treatment. Their injuries, though distressing, are reported to be non-life-threatening.
Following a series of intense efforts, the Wildlife Department team, with the invaluable support of the local community and law enforcement, successfully tranquillized the leopard on the second attempt. The subdued leopard was safely captured and has been sent to a facility in Baramulla for further evaluation and medical care.
