Kerala Congress MLA Roji M John stirred controversy with his remarks on handling wild animals that enter populated areas, suggesting they should experience physical pain to deter future invasions.
Speaking at the UDF’s ‘Malayora Jatha’ protest march in Angamaly, John argued that animals like elephants, tigers, and wild boars should feel pain if they enter human settlements, claiming it would stop them from causing harm.
His comments were made in the presence of senior party leaders, including the Leader of Opposition in state Assembly VD Satheesan.
John’s comments came as part of a broader debate over wildlife-related issues in Kerala.
Earlier, another Congress MLA, Sunny Joseph, had criticised the existing rule requiring the burial of wild boars shot with licensed guns, suggesting they should instead be prepared for consumption with coconut oil. He made those statements while speaking at UDF’s ‘Malayora Jatha’ in Kannur.
The UDF was carrying out the protest march to create awareness about the growing concerns over wildlife attacks and the financial struggles of farmers in the hilly regions of Kerala.
