Thu Jan 23 08:39:31 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Assembly Sees Walkout Over Human-Wildlife Conflict

**Thiruvananthapuram, January 23, 2025** – The Kerala Assembly witnessed a walkout by the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) on Thursday, protesting the state government’s handling of rising human-wildlife conflict. The UDF accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of indifference towards high-range communities facing increasing attacks.

The walkout followed a debate sparked by the recent withdrawal of the contentious Kerala Forest Amendment (Bill), 2024, after public protests. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran argued for amending existing forest laws to better serve the needs of the people, but insisted changes would only occur with public consent and consideration for farmers. He cited an “apolitical organization” as a factor in wild animals leaving forest areas injured.

However, the Opposition countered Saseendran’s claims, highlighting discrepancies between his statements and those of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the withdrawn bill. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan called the Minister’s stance contradictory. The UDF also criticized the government’s assertion that wild animal attacks are not increasing, citing a significant rise in incidents from 6,341 in 2021-22 to 9,838 in 2023-24, with over 1,000 human and 5,000 cattle deaths since 2016. This sharply contrasts with the Minister’s claim of a decrease in human casualties.

The Opposition further condemned the government’s “dishonest” approach, pointing to the Governor’s policy address that cited a decrease in human casualties. They announced a planned march from January 25 to February 5 to express solidarity with affected communities and highlight their concerns. The adjournment motion to discuss the issue, including the recent deaths of two individuals in elephant attacks, was rejected by the Speaker. While the Forest Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, he deemed halting Assembly proceedings unnecessary.

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