Anantnag: December 31, 2025: The iconic Kashmiri chant “Aaya aaya shair aaya” – a famous slogan traditionally roared during elections to welcome political leaders as the “sher” (lion) arrives – has taken on a terrifying new meaning in south Kashmir these days. Residents are whispering it in alarm as actual leopards, locally called “shair,” have been sighted prowling multiple areas, triggering widespread panic.
Over the past week, the elusive big cat has been spotted in several localities of Anantnag district, including SK Colony, Anchidora, Verinag, Dooru, Shangas, and nearby villages. Eyewitnesses report the leopard lurking in orchards, near residential homes, and along roadsides, forcing people to remain indoors after sunset. Children have been kept home from school, and livestock owners are guarding their animals round the clock.
The fear intensified following recent incidents: a leopard strayed into a CRPF camp in Anantnag’s Verinag area just days ago, injuring a trooper, while a minor was tragically killed in another attack earlier this month. In neighboring Shopian district, panic gripped villages like Pinjoora and Sofanaman after a leopard mauled four people, including a wildlife official, before being successfully tranquilized and captured alive by authorities.
Wildlife officials attribute the frequent sightings to shrinking forest habitats, easy prey like stray dogs attracted to garbage dumps, and seasonal movement. The Department of Wildlife Protection has deployed rapid response teams, installed cages in hotspots, and issued advisories urging residents to avoid solitary outings and secure waste properly.
As the year draws to a close, what was once a rallying cry for political “lions” during election seasons has become a real-life warning in these villages – a stark reminder of escalating human-wildlife conflicts in the region. Locals demand stronger measures, including better habitat management, to ensure the “shair” stays in the wild and not in their backyards.
