Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has extended her complete support to the Wayanad district administration to tackle the human-animal conflict. Addressing the Malayora Samara Pracharana Yatra led by Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan at Meppadi in Wayanad on Tuesday, she said she would highlight the issue in the forthcoming Parliament session.
“Five deaths in one and a half months is unacceptable. This problem exists all over Kerala. When will the State and Central governments wake up and prioritise this issue?” she asked.
Ms. Gandhi, who visited the house of Radha, the tribal woman who was mauled by a tiger recently, also met Forest officials at the collectorate later. “Officials are also making a big effort and are working in very difficult circumstances. Their main issue is non-availability of funds, which are necessary to appoint more guards, repair fencing, and to dig or maintain trenches,” she said.
“We know this is a complex issue and cannot be resolved easily. But it is the responsibility of the Central and State governments to protect human lives,” she added.
All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal, United Democratic Front convenor M.M. Hassan, and T. Siddique, MLA, were present.
