Twelve families were left without a roof over their heads after a herd of wild elephants rampaged through the village of Kalapahar, South West Khasi Hills on the border with Bangladesh. No one was injured in the attack.
According to local sources, the group of 15 marauding elephants entered the village at around 2am yesterday and destroyed everything they came across. Villagers fled from their homes in fear, with even concrete structures not spared during the eventful night.
“They were fearful for their lives and had to take shelter away from their homes,” President of the local unit of the United A’chik Youth Federation (UAYF), SangraMarak, said. “They could not even save much of their belongings as the incident took place when they were least prepared. Thankfully there were no casualties.”
Marak said that most of the villagers are extremely poor and requested the government to help them rebuild their lives in Kalapahar, which falls under Ranikor Sub-Division.
“We request the administration to reach out to those affected as they need all the help they can get to rebuild their lives. They are currently homeless after what happened and fearful that another attack may happen soon. We urge the departments concerned, including the Wildlife Department to look at ways to help them as they are in a dangerous situation,” added Sangra.
As per reports from villagers, the houses of Sahela T Sangma, Sohina T Sangma, Sorjina D. Shira, Pabina D. Shira, Sorjina D. Shira, Dukina T. Sangma, Tibina N. Marak, Sima Ch. Sangma, Orchona R. Marak, Teresa R. Marak and Kurinath Ch. Marak were destroyed.
Meanwhile, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein visited the affected families in the presence of the Sub Divisional Officer HS Diengdoh, Block Development Officer LGM Kharmih, police and officials from the forest department.
