Feline fear grips Khordak, villagers on alert
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 21 2012:
Following discovery of pug marks and other tell tale signs on the presence of a leopard in Khordak area, just adjacent to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the villagers are caught in a panicky situation and have chosen to stay indoors once the night falls.
Since 10 days back, the villagers have been talking about the presence of a big cat in their locality.
Remains of a pig, half-eaten by a predator were found.
The pig was reared by one Heisnam Mahindra and it was kept bound by a rope.
This incident alerted the villagers all the more.
According to the villagers, fresh pug marks were discovered yesterday near the house where it devoured the pig earlier.
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People also heard the leopard growling at night very close to their houses.
Following reports about presence of a big cat in Keibul Lamjao National Park and straying into neighbouring villagers, the villagers are now unable to sleep peacefully at night.
Even if they must go out, the villagers go in groups of twos or threes and all of them are armed.
At night, they would not venture out but rather choose the safety inside locked doors.
Nowadays, every household is clearing bushy areas around the periphery of their homes.
Meanwhile, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) S Dhananjoy and DCF (Park and Sanctuary) L Joykumar and other officials visited Khordak village today.
Fresh pug marks discovered yesterday were recorded using plaster of paris and the officials collected a detailed report from the villagers.
S Dhananjoy assured the villagers they would be provided torch-lights and trackers.
The department would also lay traps to catch the big cat.