Forest, Protection Force in Unison with Army Thwart Timber Smuggling Bid in Baramulla

Jahangir Lolabi

Baramulla: In a significant triumph against the menace of illegal timber smuggling, the Forest Department, Baramulla Division, in close coordination with the Indian Army and the Forest Protection Force (FPF), successfully conducted a joint operation resulting in a substantial seizure of illicit timber in the Baramulla district.

As per officials, during the intervening night of 27 th and 28th May, 2025 at 11:45 pm, during a joint and coordinated operation between Forest Department, Forest Protection Force Baramulla and personnel of 46 RR (Army) in Hajibal Forest near old town Baramulla, a notorious Forest damager group of six timber smugglers transporting illicit round timber in a load carrier bearing registration number JK-04 /3535 (from Budgam District) was seized.

“Major scuffle and resistance to arrest followed between joint forces and timber smugglers in the Forest area in darkness. During the scuffle, two brave Forest Protection Force personnel suffered minor injuries. They were taken to nearby hospital and were discharged from there after medical aid was provided,” the officials said.

“The timber smugglers filed from the spot taking advantage of darkness, however six timber smugglers have been identified by Forest Department and massive manhunt has been launched to nab them,” said the officials.

“During the operation illicit timber 08 logs (Deodar) equal to 37 cfts was seized. Vehicle along with illicit timber has been safely carted down by Forest personnel to seizure depot Baramulla. FIR under relevant sections of Indian Forest Act, 1927 and IPC is being lodged in concerned Police station by Forest Department.”

Addressing the media, Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir Irfan Ali Shah, (IFS) highlighted the critical importance of this joint effort.

“Today marks a crucial victory in our ongoing battle against illegal timber smuggling and trade, which poses a severe threat to our precious forest ecosystems and the livelihoods of our communities. This successful operation in Baramulla is a testament to the unwavering commitment and seamless coordination between the Forest Department, the Indian Army, and the Forest Protection Force. We will be lodging Public Safety Act (PSA) against any one who inflicts damage of any kind on our forests. There will be no mercy. Our intelligence networks, strengthened by the proactive support of the Army and the vigilance of the FPF, led to precise identification and execution of this operation. The timely sharing of information and coordinated deployment of resources were instrumental in achieving this outcome,” said Shah as per Alfaaz – The Words.

The Conservator of Forests extended his sincere gratitude to the Indian Army for their invaluable assistance and unwavering support in this critical mission. He also commended the dedication and bravery of the Forest Protection Force personnel and the entire Forest Department team involved in the operation.

Javed Rahim, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Baramulla in the meantime said, “We urge the public to continue to be our eyes and ears on the ground. Your cooperation in reporting suspicious activities related to forest offences is crucial. Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in illegal timber activities under the relevant provisions of the Forest Act.”