Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant policy reversal, the Kerala government has suspended its controversial order restricting firearms licence holders from participating in wild boar culling operations. The earlier directive had barred individuals holding arms licences for sports or institutional purposes from engaging in culling, limiting the task to those licensed for crop protection or self-defence.
The move had sparked strong opposition from licensed shooters and farmers, who argued that the restriction drastically reduced the number of eligible marksmen at a time when wild boar attacks on crops were rising across the state. Many sports licence holders, considered experienced and trained shooters, had even threatened to boycott culling efforts in protest.
Responding to the backlash, Forest Minister ordered an immediate review of the directive, leading to the suspension of the restrictions. Officials indicated that revised guidelines would ensure both public safety and effective wildlife management. The decision is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to tackle the growing wild boar menace, which has caused widespread agricultural losses in several districts.
