Jamshedpur: Chakulia villagers plan protest against elephant attacks

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Feb 20: The villagers of Chakulia block of East Singhbhum are a harassed lot these days. They are terrorized every other day by wild elephants threatening to trample standing crops and kill everyone on their way.

In view of the continuing threat of elephant attacks, the local villagers convened a meeting on Sunday and unanimously decided to take out a rally and stage demonstration before the forest department to protest killings by elephants. The villagers said the forest department should initiate measures to protect the villagers from elephant attacks.

Hundreds of villagers of Bend and several other local panchayats of Chakulia said the mighty invaders often entered the local villages in search of food and water. The elephants not only attack humans, but also target houses and crops coming in their way, they said.

Sources said a senior citizen, identified as one Gorai Sardar of Jamunabhula village under Bend panchayat, was seriously injured in elephant attack three days ago. The victim has been admitted to MGM Hospital.

State health minister Banna Gupta has reportedly directed the superintendent of MGM Hospial Dr Arun Kumar to provide prompt and appropriate medical care to the elephant attack victim.

Meanwhile, BJP state spokesperson Kunal Sarangi visited Indbani village in Chakulia and met the kin of one Gopal Mahato, who was killed by wild elephants on 16^th February last. Gopal had gone to his farm to shoo away the elephants to save his crops. Sarangi met Gopal’s father Vijay Mahato and assured to help him in every manner.

Those present at the meeting included Baburam Soren, Nagendra Tudu, Fagu Hembram, Gangaram Murmu, Neeluram Mandi, Jaleshwar Mandi, Lakhan Murmu, Chetan Tudu, Heenuram Baskey, Pradhan Besra, Singhrai Hembram, Badal Murmu, Devendra Nath Soren and Salai Murmu.