SOPORE, October 19: Wildlife officials and the Forest Protection Force (FPF) seized 69 cubic feet of green willow logs allegedly being smuggled in a Bolero pickup vehicle from Hygam Wetland in Sopore during a joint operation on October 17.
According to the Wildlife Department, the seizure was made around 3.15 am inside the wetland. The vehicle, along with the illicit forest produce, was seized, and legal action was initiated against those allegedly involved.
Officials identified Ghulam Nabi Hajam, son of Ali Mohammad Hajam, a resident of Gund-Roshan, Rabitar in Ganderbal district, as the prime accused. Further investigation is underway to identify other alleged accomplices and initiate legal proceedings against them under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Range Officer Hygam Wetland, Sopore, Mohd Iqbal Wani, said the operation was conducted jointly by wildlife staff and the Forest Protection Force as part of efforts to curb timber smuggling and protect the wetland.
