Vulnerable spots must be fenced

In Kashmir’s Budgam district, the man-animal conflict has once again sent shockwaves throughout the Union Territory as two back-to-back incidents took place in which two minor girls lost their lives. The 21 days of fear has finally come to an end as the authorities concerned have been able to kill the man-eating leopard in Khansahib after the Shoot at Sight orders were issued. It is not for the first time that such an issue has taken place in Budgam or in the valley. Several precious lives have been lost in the recent past when it comes to the man-animal conflict in Jammu & Kashmir. Although human interference in nature has been the major reason behind the deadly animals venturing towards the habitations, the time is not ripe to pinpoint the mistakes. The time has come when the officials concerned need to identify all the vulnerable spots across Jammu & Kashmir and ensure proper fencing of the forest areas so that such attempts will not take place in the future. At present, there is a dire need to capture any remaining leopards to make the lives of people in Budgam easier. There is a possibility of the presence of several leopards that, according to the residents, have been spotted in the area on several occasions. The concerned department should continue to deploy the men in the village to check whether the area has been cleared. To save human life should be the priority, thereby; the government with the active support of people should take some positive measures so that the man-animal conflict incidents will come to an end once for all.