Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri today said that police protection would be provided to the shepherds in vulnerable areas of Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Kullu districts. He said that many incidents of cattle theft had been reported in the State during recent past, which was a matter of serious concern.

He said directions had been given to the concerned police authorities to ensure police protection to the shepherds from antisocial elements, who were involved robbing and spreading panic by looting the poor shepherds.

Forest Minister said that sheep farming was the mainstay of the economy of maximum people of the tribal areas as well as lower hills and they had been carrying forward this profession from generation to generation and it was felt necessary to provide them with adequate help and protection.

Bharmouri said that State Government was committed to provide protection to the shepherds and even more effective steps would be taken to ensure the safety of this community.