Wild monkeys create havoc in Wahab Sahib Khrew
Residents seek urgent action by wildlife department
Pulwama: Panic and frustration have gripped the Wahab Sahib locality of Khrew in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district as wild monkeys have unleashed what residents describe as “daily terror,” damaging homes, destroying crops, and disrupting normal life.
According to locals, flocks of monkeys have been entering residential areas and farmlands in large numbers, snatching food, breaking windows, tearing rooftops, and uprooting vegetables and fruit plants. Farmers say months of hard work is being wiped out within minutes.
“We are living in constant fear,” said Abdul Rashid, a local farmer. “The monkeys jump into our fields early in the morning and destroy everything — maize, vegetables, even fruit trees. If we try to chase them away, they become aggressive. Our children and elderly are scared to step outside.”
Another resident, Farooq Ahmad, shared similar concerns. “They enter our houses, scatter ration items, and break utensils. It has become impossible to keep doors open even during the day. This is not just a nuisance anymore — it is a serious threat to our safety and livelihood.”
Women of the area said daily chores have turned into a struggle. “Going to fetch water or hanging clothes outside has become risky,” said Yasmeen Begum. “The monkeys chase us and sometimes snatch things from our hands. We feel helpless.”
Locals allege that despite repeated verbal complaints, no concrete action has been taken so far. They have now urged the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department to immediately intervene and relocate the animals to safer forest zones.
“We are not against wildlife, but they should be in forests, not inside our homes,” said social activist Mohammad Yousuf. “Authorities must conduct a proper rescue operation before someone gets seriously injured.”
Residents warned that if the situation continues unchecked, it could lead to accidents, especially involving children and elderly people.
The people of Wahab Sahib area have appealed to the administration of Jammu and Kashmir to treat the issue as an emergency and deploy wildlife control teams at the earliest to restore peace in the locality.
