Wayanad: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan arrived in Wayanad today and visited the home of Ajeesh in Padamala, who was killed last week in a wild elephant attack. Governor met with Ajeesh’s family members and will also visit the home of VP Paul, who was killed in a wild elephant attack at Kuruva in Pulpally near Mananthavady.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan discussed with Ajeesh’s and VP Paul’s family members and assured them of justice. It is also reported that the Governor will visit the home of Prajeesh, who was killed in a tiger attack in December 2023 in Wayanad district.
Reports suggest that Governor Arif Mohammed Khan will also meet Bishop Jose Porunnedam at the Bishop’s House in Mananthavady, where representatives of the Church will discuss with the Governor the challenges faced by farmers in the district. The Governor also visited the Forest Inspection Bungalow in Mananthavady and met with representatives of farmers who briefed him on the intense wildlife attacks and the poor plight of farmers across the Wayanad district. After meeting with religious leaders at the Mananthavady Bishop’s House, the Governor will return to Thiruvananthapuram.
The Governor’s visit to Wayanad is significant, amidst several protests there against the Kerala state government and State Minister for Forest and Wildlife, AK Saseendran, for not taking wildlife attacks in Wayanad seriously.
Recently, AK Saseendran’s response to the wildlife attack in Wayanad has sparked controversy and protests against the Kerala government for its inaction on this issue. Despite protests from the Wayanad community, the Minister’s stance—that his presence in Wayanad is unnecessary for addressing the issue—has fueled the protests. Meanwhile, the Governor’s decision to personally visit the victims’ families and engage with local religious leaders on mitigating wildlife conflicts was appreciated by the locals.
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