Kupwara, Nov 5: A leopard attacked and critically wounded a 12-year-old boy at Hafrada village in this frontier district on Friday.
 According to witnesses, the wild animal attacked Yasir Ahmad while he was returning home. “The beast dragged the boy 400 meters inside the forest area and the passersby after hearing the cries rescued him,” the residents said. Yasir has been referred to Srinagar hospital in a critical condition.
 This is the fourth attack by the leopard, locals said adding the beast had wreaked havoc on the area.
 “During last one and a half month, three persons Ishfaq Ahmad, Zareefa and Kulsooma were killed by the beast in the same area,” they said adding the people were facing severe life threat due to the presence of leopard.
 “Our children are hesitant to step out of homes. Their studies have been badly affected by this fear psychosis as they are not able to go to schools. ” said Shabir Ahmad.
 The residents accuse the Wildlife Department of failing to trap the leopard. “Department is feeding the people to wild animals. Three persons have been killed, several injured and the department is unmoved. We appeal Forest Minister to intervene and save the precious lives” locals said.
 When contacted in charge wild life department district Kupwara, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, told Greater Kashmir that the same leopard was involved in the recent killings. “We have collected evidence from the incident sites which were send to forensic lab where it was proved. It has been declared as a man eater. We are waiting for orders of his killing from the higher authorities,” he said.
 “The leopard has been spotted in Dogripora, Lachanpora, Hafruda, Tumana, Marsari and Chowkibal in a range of 25 kilometers. Till then people need to take utmost care and not to venture out into the forest areas,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 5 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 6 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST