Mananthavady: The killing of an elderly man named Kooman in a tiger attack at Pulpally in Wayanad has been strongly condemned by the Kerala Catholic Youth Movement of the Mananthavady Diocese. The diocesan committee described the incident as highly protestable and said it reflects a serious violation of the basic right of people to live without fear in their own land.
Diocesan president Bibin Pilappillil said that the fundamental human right to live safely is being openly denied. He demanded that the state government provide a minimum compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the families of those who lose their lives in wild animal attacks.
The committee stated that the compensation currently offered is very small and does not place any real financial burden on the government. Because of this, authorities are not taking sincere and effective steps to prevent wild animal attacks. It accused the forest department and the government of responding only symbolically after each death, while failing to protect the lives and property of the people.
The committee said wildlife protection laws should not become death warrants for poor and innocent citizens. It urged the government to take urgent action to safeguard human life by granting legal permission to eliminate wild animals that enter residential areas and kill people.
Vice President Ashna Palarikunnel, General Secretary Vimal Kochupurackal, Secretaries Duna Maria Kizhakkemannoor and Justin Lukose Nilamparambil, Treasurer Naveen Jose Pulakudiyil, Director Fr Santo Ambalathara, and Animator Sr Rose Tom SABS also spoke at the meeting.