Human-wildlife conflict: Thamarassery Diocese calls out govt’s 'criminal negligence'

Thamarassery: Exasperated by the alleged apathy of the government and forest department over the frequent human-animal conflicts in the hilly districts of northern Kerala, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Thamarassery on Saturday decided to organise a protest under all parishes under it. The move comes on the day the latest victim Paul was laid to rest in Wayanad.

Thamarassery Diocese Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil has issued a circular regarding the same. The circular would be read in all parishes during the Sunday Holy Mass. 

The circular has slammed the administration and forest department. It has accused the authorities concerned of laxity, passive approach, and criminal negligence. The circular noted that the government had a lukewarm response to short-term and long-term measures pitched to resolve the human-wildlife conflicts.

Mananthavady Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Mar Jose Porunnedom, recently criticised the ruling dispensation and said the people prefer governance that prevents disasters and not the one which provides compensation after a disaster has happened. "The people's representatives must raise this issue both in the Assembly and the Parliament," Porunnedom said. Criticising the authorities, the Bishop added the loss of lives is tragic when accidents occur due to the negligence of government systems and officials concerned.