‘If you can't kill the tiger, then shoot us,’ Mananthavady residents confront forest officials

Mananthavady (Wayanad): Mananthavady witnessed a clash between locals and Forest Department officials following the death of a woman Radha from Meenmutty Tharattu, in a tiger attack. Locals alleged that the Forest Department failed to issue clear guidelines or warnings despite the increasing wildlife attacks in the area. Frustrated residents demanded, "if you cannot kill the tiger, then shoot us instead."

When a protester questioned why the tiger had not been captured, a forest official responded, “It’s as if the tiger is standing in front of us,” sparking heated arguments. The locals also demanded to know why Dr Arun Zacharia, Chief Veterinary Surgeon of the Forest Department, had not visited the location.

“If you see the tiger, can you kill it? Or can you even find it? Why hasn’t awareness been raised? Why haven’t you coordinated with the local panchayat or municipality? We need clarity on the order to kill the tiger. People’s concerns need to be addressed. If you cannot kill the tiger, then kill us instead,” the protesters said.

The officials responded by stating that they had been instructed to raise awareness and had already done so among those who collect forest resources. They also clarified that they had received an order to locate and shoot the tiger. However, when the officials added that the tiger could not be shot if it entered the trap, the locals countered by saying they were willing to do it themselves.

The residents firmly declared that they would not back down until the tiger was captured and killed.