Pachyderms run amok, kill one & damage houses in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, March 5: A 75-year-old villager of Tippi in West Kameng district was killed by a wild elephant recently, forest official said. Cases of increased attacks on human habitation by wild elephants were reported from several parts of the state. Recently, a herd of wild elephants entered the forest colony at Nomara in East Kameng district, and killed a forest guard. The pachyderm damaged at least 15 government buildings, including a forest inspection bungalow, reports UNI. Forest Minister Nabam Tuki accompanied by Information and Public Relations Minister Takam Sanjoy and Education Minister Dera Natung went round the Nomara area yesterday to view the extent of damages, and assured the victims of providing suitable relief. They were joined by high level forest officials. The officials briefed the ministers of a herd of about 12 elephants led by a 'makhana' of 11-feet height which entered the forest colony on February 17, and went on a rampage. When the forest guard came out, the 'makhana' chased him and crushed him to death, the officials said. Tuki assured a job to the son of the victim and fund for repairing the inspection bungalow.