After a reported bear attack claimed the life of an elderly man in the Kastigarh area of Doda district on Monday, tensions have escalated in the region. In response, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Doda has ordered a two-day closure of all educational institutions in the Bhagwah Zone.
The victim, identified as Karnail Singh, aged over 60 and a resident of Kotli Kashtigarh, was attacked by a bear while returning home around 4 pm, sources told The Chenab Times. Despite efforts by locals to rush him to GMC Doda, doctors declared him brought dead. This tragic incident has ignited a wave of protests in the Kastigarh area, where residents are demanding a permanent solution to the bear menace.
Protesters have raised slogans, including “Adamkhor Bhalu ko Marne Ki Permission Do” (Give Permission to Kill Man-Eating Bears) and “DC Doda Haye Haye,” expressing their frustration and fear. This is not an isolated incident, as a dozen people were previously injured by bear attacks in the area in the past month.
Local sources of The Chenab Times have indicated that the bears have been attracted to the region due to maize and fruit crops, which provide sustenance in the fields. This movement has created a precarious situation, pitting the farming community, reliant on these crops for their livelihoods, against the bears, which are compelled to defend their territory by attacking humans.
Earlier reports indicated the presence of a female bear and her three cubs in the Kastigarh area of Doda district. Deputy Commissioner Doda, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, convened a meeting with wildlife and forest officials on August 28 to address the escalating situation. Mahajan assigned tasks to Wildlife Warden Kishtwar, Forest Officials, Police officials, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) to formulate a comprehensive strategy for enhanced patrolling in the region.
Despite the formation of this team and the government’s efforts, bear attacks persist, leading to the tragic loss of human life. Locals have expressed their frustration, alleging negligence by the administration in safeguarding their lives.
This series of attacks has underscored the growing conflict between human settlements and wildlife, particularly during the ongoing harvesting season. Sources have revealed that the shortage of staff in the Wildlife department in Doda district has hindered their ability to control the wild bear population. The community has called for urgent action and staffing reinforcements to address this pressing issue.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
