Budgam: At least 20 sheep were killed in a leopard attack in Utterpora village of Beerwah area in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, leaving a local shepherd devastated and seeking financial assistance.
Locals said the wild animal entered a livestock enclosure during the night and mauled the sheep before fleeing the area. The attack triggered panic among inhabitants, who have reported increased sightings of wild animals in recent weeks.
The owner of the flock, Tariq Ahmad Mir, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the loss has shattered his primary source of livelihood. “I am finished. This was my only income,” he said, appealing to the authorities for immediate compensation and support.
Inhabitants of the area have urged the Wildlife Department to step up monitoring and take preventive measures to avoid further attacks. They said such incidents are causing repeated financial setbacks to livestock owners in rural belts.
Officials from the concerned department are expected to visit the site to assess the damage and initiate necessary procedures under the compensation policy.
The incident has once again highlighted growing human-wildlife conflict in parts of central Kashmir, particularly during winter months when wild animals stray closer to habitations in search of food. [KNT]
