KOZHIKODE: Forest Minister AK Saseendran corrected his controversial statement against KCBC on the issue of wild buffalo. Yesterday morning, the Minister said in Kozhikode that some people are doing more cruelty to the dead bodies of the farmers than the wild buffaloes and KCBC should check whether they have forgotten their tradition.

The minister's correction came in the afternoon when KCBC president Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholica Bava and Kerala Congress Mani wing came forward against this.

The minister told the media that he did not threaten anyone and only requested to avoid any problems. It is clear that KCBC does not have a provocative stance. It is not clear who is behind the strike and it cannot be discussed with the people.

There are rumors that the surprise attack of the Wild buffalo was driven by hunters, but there is no clarity on that. Even after the bishop requested, the strike committee members are not ready to withdraw from the strike using the dead bodies. Thanks to Bishop for clarifying that KCBC does not support or encourage such protests. I have a warm relationship with the bishop. The minister said that his answer was encouraging in nature.

It is up to the Bishop to say whether I was denied permission when I asked to meet the Bishop of Thamarassery. The Forest Department does not disagree with the action taken by the Collector when two persons were killed in a wild buffalo attack in Erumeli. Petitions reached the court questioning the tranquilization of Arikompan. The forest department cannot challenge the court order. Someone may go to court and block sedating the wild buffalo. The minister said that a panel will be formed in consultation with experts on dealing with wildlife attacks.