Youth killed in elephant attack; forest office set ablaze in West Karbi Anglong district

A CORRESPONDENT

KHERONI: Elephant attacks in the West Karbi Anglong district have escalated into violent unrest, with enraged villagers torching a forest department office on Monday. The incident highlights deepening tensions over human-wildlife conflicts in Assam’s ecologically sensitive zones. 

Sarkiri Phura, 28 years, was gathering bamboo shoots and firewood in the remote Baithalangso region around 3 PM on Monday when a wild elephant fatally attacked him. The area, part of the Chekso Hills, has witnessed repeated human-elephant clashes, often linked to habitat encroachment as communities rely on forest resources for survival.  Hours after Phura’s death, a mob surrounded the Chekso Hills Anglong Forest Range Office, protesting perceived governmental inaction. Demonstrators allegedly set the building ablaze, reducing it to ashes. While no injuries were reported from the arson, officials confirmed the office’s complete destruction.  

Forest department personnel acknowledged the challenges of mitigating conflicts in remote, forest-dependent areas. “Such incidents underscore the urgent need for proactive measures,” a local resident stated, stressing the complexity of balancing ecological preservation with community safety. Investigations into both the attack and the arson are ongoing. 

The tragedy has reignited demands for improved wildlife management and compensation for victims’ families. Locals accuse authorities of failing to implement effective deterrents, such as early-warning systems or habitat corridors, to prevent such encounters. 

West Karbi Anglong, part of Assam’s human-wildlife conflict ‘hotspot,’ reflects a statewide struggle. Environmentalists urge sustainable solutions, including community-based conservation initiatives and alternative livelihood programmes, to address root causes like habitat fragmentation. 

 As tensions simmer, the incident underscores the urgent need for dialogue and innovation to protect both vulnerable communities and endangered wildlife in Assam’s fragile ecosystems.

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