Forest protection force seizes timber in Rajwar, FIR filed

Kupwara, Oct 16: The Forest Protection Force on Thursday seized a large quantity of illicit timber from Compartment 40 of Rajwar Range, Block Khanpora, and registered a case against those involved in timber smuggling.

Deputy Director of Forest Protection Force, Handwara, Manzoor Ahmad, told Greater Kashmir that the operation was carried out based on a specific tip-off.

A team led by Assistant Director Protection, Manmeet Singh, conducted the raid in Dogripora, Rajwar, recovering 43 cubic feet of illegally felled timber from the lawn of Mohammad Rafi Barrah, son of Saifuddin Barrah, a local resident.

“The timber was confiscated on the spot, and legal proceedings have been initiated,” Ahmad said. The FIR has been registered, and further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the timber smuggling network.

Authorities urged locals to report any suspicious timber activities to protect forests and prevent illegal exploitation of natural resources.