Kerala Village Holds Hartal Against Shifting Jumbo Arikomban To Parambikulam Sanctuary

Last week, the Kerala HC ordered relocation of the tusker to the Parambikulam tiger reserve here as suggested by a Committee of Experts (CoE).

Rice-eating tusker Arikomban is known for raiding ration shops in Idukki district (Image for representation)

Residents of some panchayats in North Palakkad observed a hartal on Tuesday against the translocation of rice-eating tusker Arikomban to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, which is reportedly near their hamlet, based on Kerala HC order.

Besides Muthalamada, inhabitants of six other panchayats are likely to be affected due to the translocation of the rogue tusker which has been posing a threat to the panchayats in Idukki for some years.

During a recent all-party meeting in Muthalamada panchayat, the villagers decided to observe the hartal on Tuesday to register their protest against the court's directive.

According to PTI, a resident said it was the collective protest of the villagers and there is no politics in it.

Nobody was forced to shut shop, all residents are taking part in the protest on their own, he said.

"The High Court directive to shift the tusker to the wildlife sanctuary here has pained us," another villager, as per the report.

Last week, the Kerala HC ordered the relocation of the tusker to Parambikulam tiger reserve as suggested by a Committee of Experts (CoE). However, the villagers are against the decision since the proposed place is near their hamlets. 

Various farmers' outfits in the district also staged a demonstration in front of the district Collectorate against bringing 'Arikomban' to Parambikulam on Tuesday.

They said the farmers in the district are already facing issues, including widespread crop loss due to the straying of other jumbos.

Yet, the state government said it cannot go to court seeking a change in location every time local residents object to relocation of an elephant close to their area, as per PTI.

Earlier, the CoE reportedly recommended the relocation of the elephant after visiting several areas of Idukki district that have been affected by the activities of the tusker and hearing the grievances of the locals.

(With PTI inputs)