Wild tuskers destroy standing crops in Wokha

WOKHA — Reports of wild elephants destroying paddy fields, standing crops and property, and even causing loss of life are a common occurrence in Wokha district.

In the latest incident on September 7 night, two wild tuskers went on the rampage and destroyed paddy fields at Niroyo village.

Farmers from Niroyo village told Eastern Mirror that the elephants destroyed five fields and a farm hut storing harvested grains.

The farmers said that even as they were hectically preparing for the harvest season, on September 8 morning when they went to their fields, they noticed the damages done on the intervening night.

The villagers also feared more damage to their paddy fields as the elephants were still sighted in the area.

Nzanthung Ngullie, Niroyo village VDB secretary, said that the villagers have already sent a message to Forest department, Wokha, informing them about the sighting of elephants and the damages done.

But due to the continued downpour, the department officials are yet to visit and take stock of the situation, he said.

Ngullie also informed that the farmers are on night watch as they fear more destruction from the jumbos this harvest season.

Meanwhile, in another location at New Wokha village, villagers are also on the alert and keeping night watch on a rotation basis as elephants have been reportedly sighted in the area.

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