SAMAHNI (Kashmir English): A tragic incident unfolded in Bandala village, located in the Samahni subdivision Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as a rare Kashmiri fawn fleeing a forest fire from across the Line of Control in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was captured and slaughtered by local residents.
News reports indicated that disturbed by the fires in Occupied Kashmir’s forests the fawn attempted an escape into this village territory. Local residents observed the animal exhibiting signs of distress, stating that it seemed confused and frightened by the dense smoke and wildness of the forest fires.
A few villagers seized the animal, and instead of reporting the situation to officials, they proceeded to slaughter it.
A social media upload of the capture and killing process of the rare Kashmiri fawn brought public notice to the event. A video documenting the event rapidly traveled through social media platforms, which prompted universal criticism from residents throughout the territory.
Multiple viewers condemned the act of cruelty toward the innocent animal and viewed this as a devastating instance demonstrating the endangerment of rare wildlife through natural disasters combined with human interference.
In response to the video, officials from the Wildlife Department conducted a raid at the site. However, by the time they reached the location, the suspects had already fled.
The department has since lodged a formal complaint with the local police checkpoint, requesting legal action against those involved in the incident.
A case has been officially registered against the suspects. The authorities made a promise to find those responsible and provide them with proper justice.
The Wildlife Department emphasizes the need for protecting rare species and endangered animals as part of their mission to protect displaced wildlife from environmental crises, including forest fires.
Social media users, together with citizens of the area, demanded that authorities strictly prosecute the people behind the slaughter of the rare Kashmiri fawn. They seek both legal accountability combined with more effective regulations, believing that wild animals require protection and humane treatment.
