Srinagar: Two poachers were arrested and their weapons seized during a pre-dawn raid by Forest Protection Force of K-01 Unit Srinagar and Wildlife officials of Central Control Room in Narkara Wetland in Budgam district on Thursday.
Joint Director Forest Protection Force (FPF) Kashmir, Irfan Rasool said a joint patrolling team of forest protection and wildlife officials was on routine patrolling around Narkara Wetland in the outskirts of Srinagar in Budgam district. The joint team spotted the two poachers poaching migratory birds.”
“The joint team led by Range Officer Wildlife carried out the surprise raid and found two poachers hunting migratory birds and both the poachers were apprehended on spot with two guns, two mojos and used cartridges,” he informed.
He further informed that the culprits have been identified as Ali Mohammed and Iqbal Ahmed from Bemina Srinagar who are now in police custody. The wildlife offence case has been registered against them under the provisions of Indian Wildlife Act 1972.
“Our wetlands are an important part of the ecosystem, which need to be preserved under all circumstances. The migratory birds during winter season find these wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir as most suitable habitat but the poachers and hunters are their main enemies who cause irreparable loss by hunting these birds,” a wildlife official said.
Police have started a special drive to act against these hunters, a case under Indian Wildlife Act 1972 act has been registered against the arrested poachers, a police official said. He added two guns, two mojos and used cartridges have been recovered from the possession of the arrested poachers.
