Govt. promises to capture Mannarmala leopard as locals continue stir

The government has promised to capture the leopard that continue to terrorise Mannarmala region near Perinthalmanna. The government’s assurance came following a series of protests by local people.

Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran said that decisive measures would be taken, including capturing the leopard by tranquilising it, for the safety of the people of Mannarmala.

The people of Mannarmala sighted the leopard several times in the past week, prompting them to take out a protest against the apathy of the forest authorities.

The forest staff had earlier tried to capture the leopard by putting up a cage trap, but it did not succeed.

Local people blocked the road on Wednesday, demanding action to capture the leopard. The police registered a case against 30 persons, including Vettathur panchayat president C.M. Mustafa and councillor Thorappa Haidar, for blocking the road.

The protesters clashed with the police as they were forcibly removed. The protesters warned that they would not back out until action was taken to capture the leopard.