Two women were caught and killed by a trap gun set beside a footpath, in the Kankaniyamulla Forest Reserve, Pannala, last Wednesday. The victimized women turned out to be a forty-two year old mother and her nineteen year old daughter, who were on their way to collect firewood.

The incident caused much confusion and truculence among the village dwellers of Iriyagolla, as this was the third tragic death reported to the media, related to the trap gun menace that took place in this forest reserve. The same month, a police sergeant was killed by a set trap gun, when a team of police officers were conducting a raid on an illicit liquor (kasippu) den in the midst of the Kankaniyamulla forest reserve.

In addition to the trap guns set in this forest, the villagers reported that the forest is chock full of unexpected trapping pits, animal snares and conibear traps, which has indeed become a threat to them, especially the women, who go into the woods in search of firewood, herbs and other essential needs. Around twenty incidents were reported to the government authorities and Wildlife Department officials last year, relating to occurrences where people were severely injured or got permanently disabled due to this menace of trap guns and other forms of animal traps. The most common victimized animals of these trappings, are stated to be wild boar, deer, hares, chevrotains, porcupines and the endangering fishing cats, who are hunted for flesh and skin.

“The Kankaniyamulla forest reserve has long been declared a haven for wildlife and it is distressing to perceive what it has turned out to be today, as it has become a perilous area for not only the animals who reside in the forest, but also for the people who traverse across it. It is indeed atrocious to lose two precious human lives due to the gruesome activities of these vexing poachers. However, the authorities will take immediate legal action against this and won’t leave the suspects unexcused.” said Ajith Weerarathna, the Regional Deputy Conservator of Kankaniyamulla forest reserve, the following day after this tragic incident.

Nevertheless, the hazard of trap guns has eventually resulted in the death of two innocent lives and at least now it is expected from the relevant authorities to take necessary actions, before it devours up the life of a fourth.

Piumi Nawarathna