Monkeys are poll issue in Himachal

The incarnation of god Hanuman for some, but crop destroyers and a big nuisance for farmers, monkeys are turning out to be a major election issue in Himachal Pradesh this time.

The issues are simple: Are monkeys friends or foes? Are they not an invasive pest species? Why has the state government not framed a long-term policy to control the menace so far?

‘Every election brings a ray of hope (to get a policy to tackle the monkey menace), but there is a disappointment in the end,’ said Tula Ram Negi, a farmer in a village on the outskirts of the state capital Shimla.

‘From dawn to dusk, children and women armed with sticks remain on vigil to protect their crops from these intruders who don’t let go of any opportunity of causing immense damage,’ Negi told reporters.

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