Office of the President

ATTITUDE CHANGE INTERNATIONAL(Regd.)

DARHAL MALIKAN, RAJOURI (J&K)

Ref. No. ACI/DR/PR-10/03 Date: 24 September, 2010

Press Release

Wild Animal Hurts Man in Broad day Light: NGO shows concern

Darhal, 24 September, 2010: A wild animal hurts a man in broad day light here on Thursday afternoon. Mohd younis, 35, son of Tasadiq Hussain of village Hiltak in Darhal was on his way back home from Dhok Jadhi wala when a bear hiding in nearby maize crops attacked and injured him badly at around 3 PM. Younis was brought in sub-conscious condition to Sub-district Hospital Darhal Malikan, however, due to timely intervention of team of Doctors comprising Dr. Javaid, Dr. Iqbal Malik and Dr. Nazir, the person survived. About 130 stretches were made to cover the injuries all over the body. His condition is stated out of danger and improving now. The local people of area lodged an FIR against the Wild Life Department for the negligence and not taking protective measures to protect the people from wild animals. Several cases of bear-bite have occurred during past couple of months but no step has been taken by Wild life Department in this regard so far.

Attitude Change International (ACI), Darhal based NGO engaged in raising environmental awareness besides promoting peace education has shown the concern to protect the people from wild animals. The organization urged upon the Wild Life Department to not only protect the wild life from people but also protect the people from wild animals including bear, tiger etc. “On the one hand it is good sign that wild life and biodiversity is restoring in the area but on the other hand it is equally dangerous that wild animals are hurting the people” said Dr. M. Ashaq Raza, President of organization. “I think a two way approach, protecting the wild life from anthropogenic activities, and in turn saving the people from wild animals is the need”, he said. The NGO also urged the concerned department to take effective measures against illegal hunting and killing of wild animals particularly the rare and endangered species of indigenous birds and animals.