A head constable of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained injuries after being attacked by a leopard that entered a paramilitary camp in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday. The wild cat infiltrated the camp while personnel were having their morning meal in the mess, creating a moment of panic.
Details of the Anantnag Camp Incident
The sudden intrusion occurred during breakfast hours. The leopard, which had apparently sneaked in from a nearby forested area, attacked the head constable before the personnel could react. Following the assault, the agile predator managed to escape back into the adjacent woodland. Colleagues immediately provided first aid to the injured jawan before rushing him to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Officials have confirmed that the constable's condition is stable and he is out of danger.
Rising Trend of Wildlife Encounters in Kashmir
This alarming incident is not isolated. It comes against a backdrop of a significant surge in leopard and bear sightings across the Kashmir Valley in recent weeks. Just days earlier, on December 17, a tragic event unfolded in a south Kashmir village where a five-year-old girl was attacked and killed by a leopard after she stepped outside her home. These consecutive events have heightened concerns among local communities and authorities about human-wildlife conflict.
Government's Response and Action Plan
In light of the increasing frequency of such dangerous encounters, the Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged the urgent need for intervention. Forest Minister Javed Rana stated that the administration is actively formulating a comprehensive plan aimed at curbing the rising incidents of wild animal attacks. The plan is expected to involve strategies for habitat management, rapid response mechanisms, and public awareness to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of both residents and security personnel deployed in the region.
The recent attack within a secured CRPF camp underscores the pervasive nature of the issue, indicating that even high-security zones are not immune to wildlife incursions. This has prompted calls for a more robust and immediate implementation of the government's proposed measures.
