Thiruvananthapuram: Three back-to-back deaths caused by wild elephant attacks sparked protests in Kerala’s Wayanad on Saturday, with prohibitory orders clamped on Pulpally area near Mananthavady for two days.
Hundreds of people congregated at Pulpally and blocked traffic, a day after an eco-tourism watchman was killed in the third wild elephant attack in the area in three weeks. The agitators demonstrated with the body of VP Paul, resulting in clashes with the police. A forest department vehicle was also attacked.
They allowed the mortal remains to be taken home only after government officials promised to hand over an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family on Saturday itself.
Residents demanded lasting solutions like proper fencing to prevent wild animals from entering human settlements. They continued their protest demanding that the family be given a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.
Rahul to visit
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi will take a break from his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and visit Wayanad amid violent protests by locals
The ruling CPM, Congress and the BJP observed a hartal in Wayanad on Saturday.
Congress leaders and local MLAs criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Forest Minister AK Saseendran for not visiting the district and addressing the concerns of the people.
A high-level meeting convened by the CM decided to install 250 surveillance cameras in the forest border areas as well as deploy more forest and police officers.
Published 17 February 2024, 12:48 IST