MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Wild boars, commonly known as wild pigs, have become a menace for farmers in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, and its surrounding suburbs as they destroy valuable crops in mere minutes.
These animals have left farmers with significant losses, and the government has not taken any concrete action to mitigate the problem.
The destruction caused by wild boars has forced many farmers to shift from cultivating high-value crops to growing crops solely for animal fodder.
This shift has not only affected the farmers’ livelihoods but also created significant impacts on the local agricultural economy.
Two years ago, the incumbent government took notice of the issue and formed a committee, comprising government ministers. Although the committee was formed, it failed to hold meetings to discuss the issue.
Earlier this year, a young girl lost her life, and another was injured in attacks by wild boars in Muzaffarabad, which created widespread fear among residents.
Previously, boars were also spotted at night in the city’s upscale areas like Challa Bandi and Madina Market. In another attack, a motorcyclist was also injured.
It is worth noting that last year in July, the AJK Agriculture Department conducted an operation to eliminate wild boars in Dhirkot tehsil in Bagh district, during which 14 boars were killed.
