Kupwara, Jun 9 (JKNS): A 12-year-old boy was tragically killed in a leopard attack in the remote village of Manzpathra, Chowkibal, in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday evening, triggering fear, grief and protests among local residents.
Official sources told news agency JKNS, Tajamul Bashir, son of Bashir Ahmad Gujjar, was in the courtyard of his home at around 5:30 pm when a leopard suddenly appeared and attacked him. The animal reportedly dragged the child towards a nearby forest area before disappearing into the woods.
As soon as the incident came to light, villagers launched a massive search operation. However, despite their efforts, the boy was later found dead, having sustained fatal injuries in the attack.
The tragic incident has left the entire area in shock and mourning. Residents expressed deep concern over the increasing movement of wild animals near human habitations and staged protests against the Wildlife Department, accusing it of failing to take adequate preventive measures.
Locals said this was the second leopard-related incident in the area within the last month. They claimed that a child had been injured in a similar attack a few weeks ago, following which the Wildlife Department installed a trap cage in the area. However, according to residents, the cage failed to capture the leopard, allowing the threat to persist.
Protesters demanded immediate and effective action from the authorities, stating that the leopard has become a serious threat to the safety of local residents. They urged the administration and the Wildlife Department to take urgent measures to capture the animal and prevent any further loss of human life.
Meanwhile, the Tehsildar Kralpora, Naib Tehsildar Kralpora and senior police officials visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and assured them of all possible assistance from the government.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Wildlife North Kashmir, said that an emergency operation has been launched to track and capture the leopard. He stated that Wildlife Department teams have been deployed in the area and efforts are underway on a war footing to prevent any further incidents.
A senior Wildlife Department official also confirmed that field staff are actively searching for the animal and expressed hope that it would be captured soon.
The incident has triggered widespread concern across the region, with residents urging the authorities to strengthen wildlife management measures and ensure the safety of people living in vulnerable areas close to forests. (JKNS)
