the goan I network
VALPOI
Apologising for the deaths of four tigers in the forest near Golavali-Sattari, leaders of the Dhangar community have claimed that the Dhangars are unsafe and have an uncertain future in Sattari taluka following the incident.
While demanding necessary protection to the Dhangar community, the Dhangar leaders also asked the government to ensure a complete and transparent probe into the tiger deaths.
Sattari Dhangar Samaj President B D Mote, secretary Pawan Varak, Biru Kale, and Janu Kale addressed a news conference.
Mote said the tigers and wild animals had attacked and killed many of livestock of the Pawane households.
“In mid-December, one cow of the family was attacked and killed. Complaints were made to the forest department in this regard, but the matter was not taken seriously,” said Mote.
“Then on December 30, one of their buffaloes was attacked and killed by tigers. Had the forest officials taken action on their first complaint, the four tigers would not have been poisoned to death.”
“We were, however, deeply saddened that the Dhangar community, which has co-existed with nature and wildlife for generations, were involved in the tragic killing of the four tigers and were deeply apologise for this. That said, we want investigations to be conducted in a complete and transparent manner, so that the truth should come out,” said Mote.
Mote said the Dhangar community had been facing all kinds of hardships, posing a threat to their livelihood and existence.
“There is no electricity supply in the area and the Dhangar households struggle to make ends meet. The government must also look into their difficulties as well,” said Mote.
Demanding support to the Dhangar families, Mote said the womenfolk have been living under fear ever since their menfolk had been arrested in the connection.
“A 70-year-old woman from one family is in shock and her condition needs serious attention,” he added.
