Kupwara, April 22: MLA Handwara Sajad Lone Tuesday strongly reacted to reports that wildlife authorities are planning to book around 40 villagers from Batpora in Block Kralpora, Kupwara, for killing a leopard that had attacked several people in the area.
A video of the leopard attacking locals had gone viral, triggering panic in the entire area. According to residents, the animal had become a serious threat to human life and had injured several people in recent days.
In a desperate attempt to save themselves, the villagers finally overpowered the leopard during a tense encounter. The animal, which had reportedly turned into a man-eater, was fatally injured and later died.
Reacting to the move by authorities, Sajad Lone called the action “nonsense” and questioned whether the villagers were supposed to offer themselves to the wild animal.
“We all understand the importance of wildlife, but human life is important as well,” Lone said in his statement.
Locals, too, have expressed shock over the proposed action, stating that they were left with no choice but to defend themselves after repeated leopard attacks in the area. (KNS)
