Protest against elephant menace in Khunti
The Times of India
September 28, 2024
Ranchi: The Khunti district unit of the Jharkhand State Kisan Sabha held a
protest in front of the Forest Division Officer's office on Friday, voicing
concerns over the increasing menace of wild elephants in the area. The
demonstration drew a significant turnout of farmers and women, who marched
from Patra Ground to the office despite rain.
Sufal Mahato, the sabha president, said, "Jharkhand has become a state
terrorized by wild elephants. Hundreds of farmers have been killed by wild
animal, and their crops and homes are being destroyed on a massive scale
across the state. Central govt must ensure compensation for the families of
those killed. Forest laws should also be amended in the interest of
farmers."
The protesters expressed their demands through slogans, urging immediate
measures to safeguard farmers from elephant attacks. They called for
compensation of Rs 1 crore and government employment for the families of
farmers who lost their lives due to elephants, Rs 50 lakh for those
severely injured, and Rs 50,000 per acre for crop damage. They also
demanded relocation of elephants from agricultural areas and a lasting
resolution to the problem.
"A 10-point memorandum, outlining these demands, was submitted to the DFO
to be forwarded to PM Narendra Modi," Mahato stated.
Birendra Kumar, the treasurer of the farmers’ organisation, said, "The
recent death of farmer Jego Munda of Torpa and the destruction of crops
have fuelled public anger. The Sabha will intensify its movement until a
permanent solution to the elephant terror is found."
Attempts to reach Dilip Kumar, the Khunti Divisional Forest Officer, for
comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to TOI's calls.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/protest-against-elephant-menace-in-khunti/articleshow/113752100.cms
Protest against elephant menace in Khunti
The Times of India
September 28, 2024
Ranchi: The Khunti district unit of the Jharkhand State Kisan Sabha held a
protest in front of the Forest Division Officer's office on Friday, voicing
concerns over the increasing menace of wild elephants in the area. The
demonstration drew a significant turnout of farmers and women, who marched
from Patra Ground to the office despite rain.
Sufal Mahato, the sabha president, said, "Jharkhand has become a state
terrorized by wild elephants. Hundreds of farmers have been killed by wild
animal, and their crops and homes are being destroyed on a massive scale
across the state. Central govt must ensure compensation for the families of
those killed. Forest laws should also be amended in the interest of
farmers."
The protesters expressed their demands through slogans, urging immediate
measures to safeguard farmers from elephant attacks. They called for
compensation of Rs 1 crore and government employment for the families of
farmers who lost their lives due to elephants, Rs 50 lakh for those
severely injured, and Rs 50,000 per acre for crop damage. They also
demanded relocation of elephants from agricultural areas and a lasting
resolution to the problem.
"A 10-point memorandum, outlining these demands, was submitted to the DFO
to be forwarded to PM Narendra Modi," Mahato stated.
Birendra Kumar, the treasurer of the farmers’ organisation, said, "The
recent death of farmer Jego Munda of Torpa and the destruction of crops
have fuelled public anger. The Sabha will intensify its movement until a
permanent solution to the elephant terror is found."
Attempts to reach Dilip Kumar, the Khunti Divisional Forest Officer, for
comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to TOI's calls.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/protest-against-elephant-menace-in-khunti/articleshow/113752100.cms