KERALA: Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Monday interacted with local villagers in forest-fringe hamlets of her hill constituency and assured them of full support in addressing their concerns over the increasing human-animal conflicts in the region.

She expressed concern over the dilapidated trenches dug years ago to prevent elephants from entering inhabited areas in the Uchakkulam settlement in Muthedam.

After inspecting the trenches, she told forest officials present there that they were inadequate to prevent stray elephants and the concerns of local residents were justified.