Incidents of killings by Sundarbans tigers and deaths of man-eating feline are going on around the mangrove forest as for years as the authorities concerned remain indifferent to saving their lives. At least 120 fishermen, woodcutters and honey collectors were killed by the ferocious cats while 16 man-eaters were beaten to death by the villagers as they entered localities in the last 10 years. According to forest officials, 12 fishermen, woodcutters or honey collectors were killed by tigers in 1999, 22 in 2000, 11 in 2001, nine in 2002, 18 in 2003, 15 in 2004, eight in 2005, 10 in 2006 and 13 were killed in each year in 2007 and 2008.During the period, four tigers were killed in 1999, five in 2000, two in 2001, three in 2003 and one tiger each in 2004 and 2008. While talking to this correspondent a member of poor fishermen, woodcutters and honey collectors said they have no other alternative to going to the forest knowing well about the looming danger as they are dependent solely on the forest resources. They urged the authorities concerned to take measures to save their lives in the Sundarbans.Contacted, assistant forest officer (AFO) Rajesh Chakma said, 'Despite all good intentions we are helpless. We cannot ensure security of their lives for lack of necessary staffs and sophisticated arms."
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