A man from the nomadic community has sustained severe injuries following a bear attack in the higher forested regions of Srinagar district. Army personnel were instrumental in rescuing the injured individual, providing immediate first aid, and facilitating his transfer to a hospital. Officials confirmed the incident on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Mohammad Akram, a nomad hailing from the Rajouri district, was reportedly attacked by a bear on Saturday in the upper reaches of Dachigam, situated within the Harwan forest area. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that personnel from a nearby Army unit responded swiftly to the emergency. They arrived at the scene, administered essential first aid to Mr. Akram, and subsequently assisted in his evacuation to a medical facility.
This incident marks the second such encounter involving bear attacks on nomads in this particular area within the past month. Nomadic communities frequently traverse these regions for livestock grazing. On July 26, another nomad, Mohammad Ashraf, aged 40, also suffered injuries from a bear attack in the same vicinity. Similar to the recent incident, Army personnel were credited with rescuing Mr. Ashraf and transporting him to a hospital for treatment, according to officials.
Members of the nomadic community have expressed their gratitude towards the Army for their life-saving interventions during both attacks. Manzoor Ahmad, a member of the community, highlighted the critical importance of the timely assistance provided by the soldiers. He stated that the swift action ensured that the injured individuals received immediate medical attention at a crucial juncture and were safely transported to a healthcare facility, thereby potentially averting more tragic outcomes.
The frequency of these attacks raises concerns about the safety of nomadic populations and other individuals who frequent the forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir. While the exact reasons for the increased bear activity and aggression are not detailed in the reports, such incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with human-wildlife interactions in ecologically sensitive zones. The Dachigam and Harwan forest areas are known habitats for various wildlife species, including bears, and human encroachment or accidental encounters can lead to such unfortunate events. The involvement of the Army in providing immediate medical aid and evacuation services demonstrates a crucial support mechanism for remote and vulnerable communities in the region. The nomadic community’s reliance on these forest areas for their livelihood means that such encounters pose a significant threat to their way of life and personal safety. Further details regarding the condition of the injured nomads and any potential measures being considered to mitigate future bear attacks are awaited.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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