Arunachal CM calls Dibang Valley tiger attack ‘unfortunate’, orders Rs 10 lakh ex gratia

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister on February 4 described the recent tiger attack in Dibang Valley as “shocking and unfortunate,” even as the State Government announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the victim’s family. 

The Chief Minister said immediate steps have been initiated to prevent such incidents from recurring and assured that public safety remains the government’s top priority.

Forest Minister Wangki Lowang also termed the incident unfortunate, stating that human–wildlife encounters are not uncommon in Arunachal Pradesh, involving animals such as elephants and tigers, but acknowledged that the severity of this particular attack was unexpected. 

He said tranquiliser teams and forest officials have been dispatched to track and capture the tigers involved to avert further danger to local residents.

Responding to allegations of deforestation and timber smuggling, Minister Lowang denied any institutional failure within the Forest Department and urged citizens to lodge formal FIRs if such activities are detected. He asserted that the department would take strict action against anyone found involved in illegal deforestation.

However, the incident has triggered strong public outrage on social media, with local residents accusing the Forest Department of turning a blind eye to rampant deforestation and shrinking forest cover. Many have alleged that the destruction of natural habitats has forced wild animals, including tigers, to stray into human settlements, escalating human–wildlife conflict.

Adding to the criticism, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on February 4 sharply censured the Forest Department, calling the Dibang Valley tiger attack a case of “gross negligence” and a “serious blunder” by officials. He said such lapses cannot be justified and demanded greater accountability and proactive monitoring in sensitive forest and wildlife zones.

The government has indicated that further measures, including enhanced surveillance and wildlife response mechanisms, are under consideration as investigations into the incident continue.