Fear looms large over electoral process as tigers prowl in Pilibhit villages

Villagers have witnessed the predator prowling on the outskirts, targeting livestock and instilling fear.

In the serene expanse of Pilibhit district, a threat has emerged, striking fear into locals and disrupting the democratic process as citizens fear to venture out due to the looming spectre of tiger attacks, adversely affecting electoral participation.

The crisis unfolded on April 8 when a tiger tragically claimed the life of farmer Bholeram near Puraini Deep Nagar village as he worked in his field. Outraged, villagers rallied, demanding both protection and compensation for the bereaved family.

The following day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in the Puranpur area in support of BJP candidate Jitin Prasada, pledging to "showcase the splendour of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve to the world."

However, this declaration did not resonate with the family members of Bhole Ram and other villagers, who remain apprehensive.

Paras Rai, a resident of Jamunia village and a relative of Bhole Ram, expressed, "Our lives hang in the balance. We never know when a tiger might emerge from the fields and make us or our children its prey."

The village is situated on the boundary of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR).
Residents had previously implored the administration to conduct extensive combing operations following the fatal tiger attack on a youth in February. Villagers have witnessed the predator prowling on the outskirts, targeting livestock and instilling fear.

The pervasive presence of tigers has left inhabitants wary, with many expressing reluctance to leave their homes and exercise their voting rights. An anonymous resident articulated their fear, stating, "The looming threat of encountering a tiger on the way to the polling station has deterred me. I cannot risk my safety for the sake of voting."

The fear of wildlife persists across five tehsils within Pilibhit, with Kalinagar tehsil witnessing heightened tiger activity over the past eight months. Villages such as Mathna Jabti, Banskheda, Jamuniya, and Puraini Deep Nagar have reported frequent tiger sightings, resulting in tragic human casualties. Similarly, the menace of tigers has gripped Pandari and neighbouring villages approximately 12 kilometres from the city centre.

In a statement of protest, apprehensive residents of Pandhari village erected banners threatening to boycott the Lok Sabha election if the administration fails to address the tiger menace. Such sentiments have echoed in villages like Harkishnapur, Pandari, and Nyoriakhurd.

Recognizing the political implications, Samajwadi Party candidate Bhagwat Saran Gangwar visited Bhole Ram's family on April 11, pledging support. Gangwar raised the issue during a political rally led by party president Akhilesh Yadav in the district on April 12.

Villagers vouch for frequent tiger sightings, with Sarvjeet Verma lamenting that this year alone, four individuals have fallen victim to tiger attacks near the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.

District Forest Officer Manish Singh highlighted the unique challenges posed by the 72,000-hectare tiger reserve intersecting human settlements, blurring forest and sugarcane field boundaries. With an increase in tiger and leopard populations, these apex predators encroach upon sugarcane fields and canal border areas.

With approximately 160 villages near the forested area and tigers encroaching upon 50 villages, Singh emphasized the state government's responsibility to safeguard the 1.25 lakh residents. However, he noted the forest department's contention that villagers often provoke tiger attacks.

Assuring residents, District Forest Officer Singh stated, "We are aware of the situation and are diligently working to address residents' concerns." He outlined efforts to bolster patrols and implement deterrent measures against tiger intrusions, including sensitivity mapping and continuous awareness programs.

As Pilibhit grapples with the dual challenges of tiger terror and electoral participation, the fate of democracy hangs in the balance. With polling day looming, authorities face mounting pressure to deliver swift and effective solutions to allay residents' fears and restore confidence in the electoral process.