Unabated timber smuggling in the forests of Sonawari in Bandipora district has taken a heavy toll on the green gold of the area, with the authorities allegedly looking as mute spectators.
The forests have been left un-checked by the government that has given a free run to the smugglers, the locals complained.
The villagers of Hajin, Mukdamyari, Chandergair, Madwan, Shalkhud Nowgam, Banyari, Shahgund, Khuserpora, Kanyari, Gundijahangir said that they have been witnessing the government apathy towards the rampant smuggling.
“Some 10 years before the forests were so dense one could never dare to walk alone. But now the situation is very different,” Abdul Rahman Parray, 60, a local resident of Hajin said.
“The smugglers often carry axes, whenever we try to catch them they attack us. Many of our colleagues have been seriously attacked in the line of duty in the area,” said a group of Forest employees.
When contacted, newly appointed Divisional Forest Officer Bandipora Abdul Hameed Malla, assured, “I will send my entire team to the spot for investigation.”