Timber Smugglers

Felling of trees is rampant in Jammu and Kashmir, where timber smugglers and forest officials are party to illegal timber trade. Almost 13, 000 hectares of forest land is reportedly under illegal occupation in the state.

Sonaullah Zargar, a 30-year-old forest activist, who was dedicated to protecting the Sukhnag Forests in Budgam, was found dead in the Valley. His body was found near a stream a week ago.Initially Zargar's death was passed off as an accident but now the police suspect the timber mafia as well as corrupt forest staff to be behind his death. The Block...

An alleged timber smuggler was on Saturday killed and another injured in firing by security personnel who suspected them to be militants, sparking violent protests in Shopian district.

Felling of trees is rampant in Jammu and Kashmir, where timber smugglers and forest officials are party to illegal timber trade. Almost 13, 000 hectares of forest land is reportedly under illegal occupation in the state.

Sonaullah Zargar, a 30-year-old forest activist, who was dedicated to protecting the Sukhnag Forests in Budgam, was found dead in the Valley. His body was found near a stream a week ago.Initially Zargar's death was passed off as an accident but now the police suspect the timber mafia as well as corrupt forest staff to be behind his death. The Block...

An alleged timber smuggler was on Saturday killed and another injured in firing by security personnel who suspected them to be militants, sparking violent protests in Shopian district.