PULPALLY, Kerala – A political demonstration in Kerala’s Wayanad district turned violent on Saturday, as all major political parties united to call for a dawn-to-dusk hartal to demand a solution to the escalating threat from wild animals. The protest, which was in response to the death of a man killed by a herd of wild elephants the day before, resulted in the blocking of roads, vandalism of a vehicle belonging to the Forest department, violent clashes with police, and anger directed towards local legislators.
The escalating conflict between humans and wildlife in the district has sparked widespread concern. This recent death marked the third wildlife-related fatality in less than a month. In response, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ordered a high-level ministerial meeting to take place in Wayanad on February 20 in order to address the issue.
The situation has also garnered the attention of Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi, who has cut short his ongoing political trip to visit the families of those killed by wild animals. The growing frustration and demand for action from the government has resulted in protesters insisting on a solatium of ₹50 lakh for the victim’s family and the capture of the elephant responsible for the attack.
However, the government has expressed empathy towards the public’s cause while condemning the violence against wildlife enforcers, police, and elected representatives. Despite efforts to mitigate the situation, the combing operation to capture the elephant responsible for a previous fatality continues to present challenges.
The government has also promised an immediate solatium of ₹10 lakh, as well as other forms of support for the victim’s family. However, the need for a lasting and sustainable solution to the human-wildlife conflict in the region remains a pressing concern. As stakeholders work towards addressing these issues, the community continues to grapple with the ongoing threats from wild animals in the district.