Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS has informed the public that a group of wild elephants have been reported to roaming in the area around Amboto New Village in the Changpang area under Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district.

The DC further stated that any attempt to ward/chase off the wild elephants by the people through provocative means such as firing or use of any weapons or crowds are likely to cause aggressive response from the wild elephants thereby aggravating the risk/threat to life and property.

Therefore, public and neighbouring villages are advised not to resort to any provocative or aggressive means to chase off the animals.

Earlier EAC, Changpang (under Wokha district), N. Nuhuta Tunyi in his report submitted in regard to elephants at Amboto Village and causing casualty on the 5th November 2022, stated that some wild elephants roaming in the forest under Changpang circle under Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district, turned rogue and attacked some people and killed one (1) person.

The incident happened at Amboto New village- Changpang circle. The EAC further informed that necessary instructions have been issued to the village authorities/leaders for caution and keep clear from antagonizing/ provocating the wild elephants and to remain vigil and keep updating on the matter.

Staff from Wildlife Crime Control Unit will be visiting the affected area very soon to take stock of the situation and carry out certain field exercises to map the entire area of conflict (Human and Elephant conflict) to make/take mitigate measures.

(Zubenthung, IA Wokha)