MANSEHRA: A mother of three was killed in a bear attack in the Jugan area of Balakot tehsil here on Thursday.

Razia Bibi, 25,was attacked by a black bear when she went to a jungle near her house to collect firewood.

The attack left her severely injured. She breathed her last as family members were taking her to the civil hospital in Balakot.

Her relatives and other Jugan residents gathered at the main Balakot road to protest the killing and demanded the registration of an FIR against the wildlife department.

The woman’s husband, Mohammad Jamil, warned that if a case wasn’t registered against wildlife officials, then residents would take to the streets.

He said the negligence of the wildlife department’s watchers and other officials had led to a high incidence of wild animal attacks on people.

Mr Jamil said people, especially women and children, were vulnerable to attacks by bears and other wild animals.

The protesters later visited Balakot deputy superintendent of police Mohammad Farooq and demanded the registration of an FIR against the wildlife department.

The DSP said the assistant commissioner had formed a committee led by the divisional wildlife officer to look into the incident.

“If anyone is found to be negligent in their duties, punitive action can be initiated against them,” he said.

Meanwhile, a pickup vehicle fell into a ravine in the Sarni area here, killing a small girl and injuring six travellers.

The locals shifted the body and the injured to a nearby health facility.

ENCROACHMENTS: The tehsil municipal administration on Thursday removed temporary and concrete encroachments in Oghi city and its suburbs.

Led by tehsil municipal officer Amir Shahzad, the TMA officials demolished structures on Toheed Road, Shergar Road, and adjoining areas with the help of machines.

They also removed dozens of handcarts, hampering the smooth flow of traffic in the area, and shifted them to their godowns.

“We launched the drive to clear encroachments from the roads to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians and motorists,” he said.

Mr Shahzad said traders were warned against placing goods outside their shops, and if they didn’t pay attention, then their goods would be confiscated and they would be fined.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024