MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT SPARKS HEATED DEBATE

Opposition walks out in assembly after speaker denies permission to discuss matter through adjournment

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @T'Puram

AS THE UDF is set to kick off its 'Malaya-ra Samara Yathra' campaign to mobilise farmers in the high ranges ahead of the local body elections, the assembly saw a fiery debate on the ongoing man-animal conflict in the region. The opposition UDF raised the issue during the Zero Hour, sparking a confrontation with the treasury bench over how seriously the issue was being taken up. Opposition UDF walked out of the assembly after they were denied permission to discuss the matter through an adjournment motion.

Forest Minister A K Saseendran, who said it was not a matter of urgent public importance to discuss after suspending the regular business of the house, pointed out that the human casualties have come down since 2021. However, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan countered with statistics showing the rising number of man-animal conflicts and crop losses since 2019.