Handwara, Apr 16 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, along with J&K Police from Handwara Police Station and officers from the Revenue Department, conducted joint raids in Dorishpora village of Rajwar Forest Range under Langate Forest Division.
The raids, carried out based on specific field intelligence, targeted six suspicious houses. During the operation, authorities recovered 18 old Deodar (dry) timber logs, measuring approximately 40 cubic feet. The seized timber was safely transported to the Central Seizure Depot Langate, following due procedure under Form 25 No. 87237 dated April 15, 2025, despite stiff resistance from women in the village.
Speaking to the media, Conservator of Forests North Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah (IFS), emphasized the department’s commitment to combating illegal timber operations. "We have activated our field intelligence and are working closely with J&K Police and other departments to curb timber smuggling. I have directed field officers to register FIRs and prepare dossiers for booking habitual offenders under the Public Safety Act (PSA) without delay," Shah said.
He further appealed to the public to assist authorities in their efforts by sharing credible information about illegal timber activities and forest offences. (KNS)