Lotha Hoho urges action after fatal elephant attack in Wokha

DIMAPUR — The Lotha Hoho has condemned the death of a 72-year-old farmer who was trampled by a wild elephant at New Riphyim village in Wokha district on August 2, calling it a tragic reminder of the growing human-elephant conflict in the region.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Lotha Hoho identified the deceased as Rentsamo Odyuo and expressed sorrow over the recurring threat to lives and livelihoods posed by wild elephants. It attributed the continuing danger to what it called a lack of long-term mitigation measures by the concerned department.

“It must be clearly understood that human life is irreplaceable, and safety measures must be taken so that human life and normal activities are not put at risk,” the statement read.

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The apex tribal body urged the state government and the department concerned to initiate sustainable, community-inclusive strategies to address the conflict and called for the deployment of rapid response teams and early warning systems in vulnerable areas.

It also sought immediate disbursal of ex gratia and compensatory benefits to the bereaved family, stating that while no monetary support can restore a life lost, it is a moral and civic duty to support those left behind. The organisation further demanded long-term support for families affected by human-wildlife conflict, acknowledging the enduring emotional and economic trauma such incidents bring.

Given that Wokha district has reportedly recorded the highest frequency of human-wildlife conflict in the state, the Lotha Hoho also called for the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Doyang to be upgraded to a Wildlife Range or Wildlife Division. It demanded that at least half of the currently recruited Forest Guards be deployed in Wokha.

It further expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and the people of New Riphyim village and urged the authorities to act with compassion, urgency, and foresight to prevent further loss of life.