The Hindu : Kerala News : Viswom laments killing of people by elephants

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Friday, Apr 25, 2008
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Viswom laments killing of people by elephants

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has called upon officer-bearers of temple committees, owners of elephants and believers to cooperate with efforts of the government in addressing the problem of elephants running amok at festivals.

In a statement here, the Minister noted that 18 persons were killed in incidents involving rough elephants in the past three months. The government could not ignore the situation. It was aware that the elephants had been tortured in several cases.

Mr. Viswom said some quarters were campaigning that the rules specified for management and maintenance of captive elephants were against religion. However, government had repeatedly stated that controls would be imposed only with due respect to religious observations, beliefs and culture. The death of three persons at Koodalmanikya Temple at Irinjalakuda should open the eyes of all.

The temple festivals were an inalienable part of our heritage and traditions. However, they should not cause loss of innocent lives. Captive elephants should not moan in such festivals. It was with this view that the government tried to enforce the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules.

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