Like our Facebook Page

news details

Official nexus with smugglers plunder forests in Shopian 1/23/2015 9:07:56 PM Early Times Report SHOPIAN, Jan 23: The wanton loot of 'green gold' in broad daylight by timber smugglers in collusion with some forest officials is rampantly going on in South Kashmir's Shopian district. While the forests officials are claiming to have curbed the menace of jungle smuggling and nullifying the reports of any timber smuggling in the area, the photographs of timber smugglers carrying illegal timber in broad daylight is ample proof of the official negligence. Locals of Keller area said that the smugglers have been taking undue advantage of prolong dry spell and patronage of some forest officials to chop the lush green tree in Khaddar forest here. They alleged that when the smugglers are trapped in public or without making any deal with forest officials, then few of the smugglers are sent to jails. "There is a proper set deal for the smugglers. If their trap becomes public then they are being jailed and if not then authorities on the spot accept the bribe and set them free," locals said, adding, the villagers informed many times to the concerned officials, but no action was taken against them till date. A forest officials wishing anonymity told this correspondent that there are some notorious smugglers still active in the area. He said: "Most of them either have been arrested and their horses seized and many apologized publically for not involving into this illegal trade in future." However, locals appreciated the role played by Jammu and Kashmir police to nab one of the smugglers along with his horses, while he was carrying timber illegally from Shopian forest division. They said a police party led by Station House Officer (SHO), Ferooz Ahmad Yatoo rushed to the spot and caught one of the smugglers red handed. Police also said that the arrested person was identified as Abdul Hamid Paray of Zampathri Keller and his horse was also seized and an FIR under 379 of RPC -6-forest act was registered against him. The police also said that the smuggler initially refused to surrender, which forced them to use muscle power.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

top stories of the day

NC-Cong regime preferred influential junior docs over seniors From media hungry to media introvert, BJP's decree 'not to speak' irking Jammu PDP's announcement of RS candidates is first step toward formation of Govt with BJP Local VC for JU unlikely, competence sole criterion Omar's announcement to grant RBA status to 39 villages proves hoax Desperate Azad wooing NC for support NC, Congress must unite to get one seat each: Mustafa Valley and Pakistan-centric approach will boomerang Kashmir valley observes shutdown against publication of blasphemous caricatures CAPD fails to provide cheap ration, people forced to rely on open market Political parties yet to decide on candidature for 4 RS seats SSB cracks cruel joke with job aspirants, selection lists of various cadres pending for years PDP-BJP alliance before RS elections may shock NC, Congress Hospital Development Fund utilized for salaries of employees, maintenance takes a hit e-governance award draws flak, website provides wrong contact details Admin turns back towards rescued bonded laborers Respect people’s mandate: New legislators urge top leaders Director NHM drags feet after ‘violating norms’ Four among Six Players of Shopian to represent JK at InternationalMartial Art Event

STOCK UPDATE

BSE Sensex NSE Nifty

CRICKET UPDATE