Kannur, Kerala – February 26: Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany has strongly criticized existing forest and wildlife laws, asserting that they prioritize the protection of wild animals over the lives and livelihoods of tribals and farmers living in Kerala’s high-range areas. His remarks came in response to a series of elephant attacks, including the recent tragic incident at Aralam Farm, where a tribal couple lost their lives.
Speaking at a private event, Archbishop Pamplany expressed deep concern over the rising human-wildlife conflict in the region, which has reportedly claimed around 16 lives. He alleged that despite repeated pleas highlighting the struggles of tribals and farmers in areas like Aralam Farm, both the central and state governments have failed to take adequate measures to ensure their safety.
Pamplany further claimed that powerful industrial interests, motivated by carbon funds, were influencing policies to declare these regions as forest areas, displacing local communities. He lamented that under current wildlife laws, tribals and farmers in high-range areas have no rights, questioning whether the government treated them as "prey and fodder" for wild animals.
His comments followed the recent tragic death of an elderly tribal couple, Velli (80) and his wife Leela (75), who were trampled by a wild elephant while collecting cashew nuts at Aralam Farm’s Block 13 in Karikkamukku. Their deaths have sparked tensions in the region.
In response, the government has announced a compensation of ₹20 lakh for the victims’ families. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has scheduled a meeting on February 27 at the Secretariat to review the measures implemented to address human-wildlife conflicts in the state.
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