Wildlife Bill a lifeline for high-range farmers: Jose K. Mani

Describing the draft Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Bill as a major relief for the settler farming community in the State’s high ranges, Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] chairman Jose K. Mani has urged all political parties across ruling and Opposition benches to come together and pass it into a law.

Inaugurating a meeting of the Lawyers Congress (M), a feeder organisation of the KC(M), in Kottayam on Sunday, Mr. Mani highlighted the party’s plans to push for legislative amendments to address the escalating menace of stray dogs as well.

Calling KC(M)’s sustained efforts for the amendment “a model for all regional parties in India,’’ Mr. Mani said the initiative was taken up on behalf of the high-range farmers who have long lived under the threat of wild animal attacks.

“The Central Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has become an obstacle to safeguarding the lives and property of people living near forest fringes. The KC(M) has repeatedly raised in Parliament the demand to amend the law in keeping with the times. Yet the Union government has consistently turned a blind eye. It was in this context that the issue was brought before the LDF, urging the State government to take responsibility for protecting people’s lives and property,” he explained.

At the meeting, new office-bearers of the Lawyers Congress (M) were elected. Joseph John will serve as State president, Justin Jacob as general secretary in charge of organisation, and K.Z. Kuncheriya Kuzhively as treasurer.