Unidentified culprits damage 200 apple trees in south Kashmir's Shopian

Srinagar, Sep 11: On the intervening night of Tuesday-Wednesday at least 200 small apple trees were felled by unidentified persons in Awend village of south Kashmir's Shopian district, reports said.

Quoting officials, news agency GNS reported that the trees, belonging to Mohd Shafi Bhat, son of Gh Mohi-u-Din Bhat, a resident of Awend, were a crucial source of livelihood for the owner.

The Shopian Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the law and launched an initial investigation.

A team from the police department, led by SSP Shopian have gone to the crime scene for a preliminary inspection.

Commenting on the incident, DC Shopian stated: "This is a grave offense that affects the livelihood of a hardworking farmer. We are committed to ensuring swift justice. The police are actively pursuing leads, and those responsible will be apprehended soon."

Authorities have assured the community that the victim will receive all necessary support.