Meer Javeed

Handwara: Mawer area of the Langate Forest Division in North Kashmir has become a hotbed of illicit timber smuggling, with compartment numbers 24 to 26 turning into a haven for jungle smugglers.

Boldly conducting their illegal activities in broad daylight, these criminals have managed to evade authorities, raising serious concerns about the potential environmental fallout.

The audacity of these timber smugglers has left local residents alarmed and dismayed. Despite the daylight heists taking place, authorities have struggled to put an end to the ongoing looting of the area’s precious green gold.

Local residents have united in their appeal to the authorities to take swift and stringent action against those responsible for the wanton destruction of this vital natural resource.

Just a few days ago, in a significant operation in forest compartment number 25 of Khudi Mawar, a diligent team of officers from Handwara Police led by SHO Qalamabad under the supervision of SDPO Handwara rushed towards the spot and achieved a significant breakthrough on 19th of Oct 2023 when they seized 5 logs of Deodar (Himalayan Cedar) measuring upto 22 CFT.

The residents have earnestly appealed to the authorities for a comprehensive reshuffle of all staff within this forest division, emphasizing the need to prevent any further instances of looting in the area.

When contacted, Chief Conservator North Irfan Rasool said that a team will be formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, aiming to hold the culprits accountable within the bounds of the law.

“The control room officials are set to conduct visits to these areas to facilitate the investigative process and ensure that those involved in smuggling activities are duly apprehended and brought to justice”, he said.


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