Alex
01-15-2007, 5:37pm
SRINAGAR, India-controlled Kashmir -- Indian security forces Monday afternoon joined the state wildlife department's hunt for a leopard that has killed three children in less than a week in Chattergul village, nestled in the foothills of Pir Panjal Himalayan mountain range in south Kashmir.
In addition to special police teams, "two quick-response teams have also been constituted which will be utilized as and when news regarding the presence of any wild animal is received," said a police spokesman in Srinagar.
The Kashmir range police chief, S.M. Sahai, visited the area Monday and assured residents there would be an all-out government action to trap the beast.
Villagers have been holding protests against the wildlife department's response to the attacks.
That led to a police baton charge on protesters, a step that was condemned by the minister for power and health, Peer Mohammad Hussain. He promised action against police officers involved in wrongdoing.
The state government Sunday announced a cash reward of 10,000 Indian rupees for definitive information leading to capture of the leopard.
In addition to special police teams, "two quick-response teams have also been constituted which will be utilized as and when news regarding the presence of any wild animal is received," said a police spokesman in Srinagar.
The Kashmir range police chief, S.M. Sahai, visited the area Monday and assured residents there would be an all-out government action to trap the beast.
Villagers have been holding protests against the wildlife department's response to the attacks.
That led to a police baton charge on protesters, a step that was condemned by the minister for power and health, Peer Mohammad Hussain. He promised action against police officers involved in wrongdoing.
The state government Sunday announced a cash reward of 10,000 Indian rupees for definitive information leading to capture of the leopard.