Panic gripped residents of Panbari area of Digboi Forest Division in Tinsukia district on Saturday morning after a leopard attacked a 10-year-old boy.
The minor boy identified as Lakhiram Murmu was playing along with three of his friends in an open field adjacent to Panbari Reserve Forest when a full-grown leopard attacked the children. While Murmu sustained serious injuries, the other three minor boys escaped unhurt.
The victim was immediately rushed to Digboi Community Health Centre with multiple cut marks on his body and deep throat injury.
The minor boy who was finding difficulty in breathing has been shifted to Tinsukia for advanced treatment.
His condition is stated to be critical.
While the tiger census is being underway across the state of Assam, reports of man-animal conflict bears testimony to the fact that much needs to be accomplished by Digboi Forest Department.
Locals feel the need of the hour is to give special thrust to protect and preserve the fauna kingdom, generate awareness among the rural and agrarian population to overcome the menace of human loss thus averting conflicts and disaster.
A definite plan of action and effective management plan is what has been expected to be drawn and executed for a balanced ecology and healthy biodiversity.