There was growing anger in Athirappilly after three tribes were killed in two days. As fear captures the forested fringe communities, the UDF called on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) to call the dawn of Athirappilly – dusk Hartal to call them the state government’s “crimelessness” and “deafening silence”.
After visiting relatives of the deceased at Chalukudi Hospital on Tuesday, opposition VD Satheesan leaders said the latest elephant attack on Monday night, with the number of lives that will be hit by wildlife this year alone in the state.
The latest victims, Satheesh and Ambika from the small village of Sasthampooam tribe, were attacked Monday night while collecting wild honey near Vanchikkadavu in the Vazhachal Forest department. One day ago, Sebastian, 20, from the settlement of Adichilthotty tribe, was killed in a similar incident in Malakkappara. These three are one of several tribes temporarily camping in the forest, an ancient exercise during the honey harvest season.
Locals suspect Manjakomban is a wild elephant that often appears in the area and is considered Musth, who is behind the attack. Survivors say there is no warning about the sudden appearance of the elephant. While some manage to escape, Satheesh and Ambika cannot escape. It is also suspected that they may have jumped into the river and drowned.
Opposition Grand Slam Government.
The UDF strongly opposed the left-wing government, accusing it of standing on the one who was killed. “The Minister of Forest does nothing but seeking reports. If he can’t take action, what’s the point of taking the President? Mr. Suttershan asked. All major political parties are expected to support the strike.
“Every time a tragedy occurs, the forest minister promises a permanent solution. But nothing changes.” “The government’s indifference has crossed all restrictions. Even regional collectors have not bothered to visit the site. Is this how a responsible government works?” they asked.
Demand for wildlife squads
The UDF requires that special wildlife teams be deployed immediately in areas that are easy to see, with the ability to monitor animal movements and remind local communities before tragedies occur. They also call for sustainable livelihood alternatives to tribal populations that rely on forest agricultural products, such as honey.
“Simply put, ‘forests are homes for animals’ no longer exists,” Mr Satheeshan said. “Under the Forest Rights Act, tribes live and work within the forest. He demands that ensuring their safety is the responsibility of the government.”
A country in crisis
Over the past six years, more than a thousand people have been reportedly killed in wildlife attacks in Kerala and thousands have been injured. However, permanent policies have not been implemented to protect residents in high-risk areas.
UDF leaders said: “The government has washed the problem. When the week in February was killed within a week, the minister promised to take action immediately. But nothing happened. There was not even a symbolic visit from a senior official.”
Opposition warned that protests across the state would be strengthened if the government did not take action. “The government must stop treating wildlife attacks as isolated incidents. The extraordinary crisis we are facing needs to be very urgent.”
publishing – April 16, 2025 08:49 AM IST
