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Problems caused by elephants and difficulties in dealing with these |
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4/6/1926 To Lakema, where I disposed of some cases and a dak. Elephants have already crossed the bridle path between Tesangki and Lakema towards the Barak this year. They crossed it for the first time since the Naga Hills have been administered last year, having crossed the path lower down near Mechangbung for the first time about 1923 when Mr Milroy had a Kheddah in Cachar. Last year they did not stay long in the Barak valley but this year there appear to be elephants in large numbers all along the lower slopes of the Barail. There have been complaints of damage done to the growing crops already, and a herd estimated at about 20 elephants have wandered over the whole of Lemhema fields trampling the young paddy. This trouble will probably get much more serious as the year goes on and I know of no remedy but to allow a great deal of shooting. This is also most unsatisfactory as apart from the cruelty involved in the Naga methods of killing elephants it will certainly involve wounding a number which get away and turn sour and kill people. |
