SHABD, Thiruvananthapuram | February 20: A protest march was organized in front of the Accountant General’s (AGs) office in Thiruvananthapuram under the leadership of the Kerala Congress (M) Farmers’ Union against the increasing incidents of wildlife attacks. The march was led by Kerala Congress (M) Farmers’ Union State President Reji Kunnamkod, highlighting the urgent need for governmental intervention to safeguard people living in forested areas. Former MLA Stephen George inaugurated the protest, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate action.
The protestors raised several demands, including enhanced protection for communities residing in wildlife-prone regions and the implementation of measures to control wild animals straying into human settlements. One of the primary demands was to grant permission for shooting wild animals that leave forested areas and enter villages, causing destruction to crops and threatening human lives. The demonstrators expressed their frustration over the recurring loss of life and property due to wildlife attacks, urging authorities to devise a long-term strategy to tackle the issue effectively.
The protest saw participation from various farmer groups, party members, and concerned citizens advocating for better policies to manage human-wildlife conflicts in the state. The protest march concluded with a call to action for the government to take immediate steps to address the crisis and ensure the safety of people living in forest-bordering areas.
