CHINARI (Kashmir English): A man sustained injuries after being attacked by an Asiatic black bear in Union Council Pahal in Azad Kashmir’s Jhelum Valley district on Tuesdaym, local authorities said.
According to the details, a man named Syed Mushtaq Shah, a resident of Bala Setho in Chinari Tehsil, was cutting wood in the forest when the bear suddenly attacked him in broad daylight, critically injuring him.
He sustained injuries to his face, neck, hands, and other parts of the body. Locals rescued him from the forest and took him to BHU Gandi Gara, where he was given initial medical aid.
Later, BHU technician Muhammad Hafeez and Pak Army Medical personnel shifted him to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Hattian Bala.
However, due to his critical condition, he has been referred from Hattian Bala to CMH Muzaffarabad.
After this incident, there has been a lot of panic among locals, with many demanding action from authorities to prevent future incidents.
It is pertinent to mention that wild animals have been causing damage to human lives and property in the Jhelum Valley district daily. Last year in August, a leopard attacked a girl, killing her, in the same union council.
Despite this, the Wildlife Department hasn’t taken sufficient steps to control the situation, sparking serious concern among public circles.
Residents are urging the Prime Minister of AJK, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Minister for Wildlife, and the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir to intervene and ensure people’s safety.
Experts attribute the rise in man-animal conflicts to deforestation, encroachment, and habitat destruction, forcing animals to venture into human settlements.
The Wildlife Department has issued advisories, recommending precautions like keeping areas clean, disposing of waste properly, and avoiding bush growth. However, locals feel more needs to be done to address the issue.
