Orchard Vandalised in North Kashmir, Probe Begins

SRINAGAR: A disturbing incident of orchard vandalism has come to light in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district where nearly 30 apple plants were chopped down during the intervening night of August 15 and 16 in Dar Mohalla of CA Khan village, triggering widespread concern among the local population.

The damaged orchard belongs to Manzoor Ahmad Khan, a resident of CA Khan. On being informed, police teams accompanied by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit under the supervision of DIO Sumlar visited the spot, collected evidence and initiated formal investigations. Officials said every angle is being examined to identify those behind the act.

The incident has evoked strong condemnation from the affected family as well as the local residents who termed it an attack not only on a farmer’s livelihood but also on the community’s economic backbone. They urged the authorities to act swiftly and bring the culprits to justice.

Meanwhile, District Development Council (DDC) member Arin, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, expressed deep concern over the development and appealed to the administration to take the matter with utmost seriousness. He assured the locals that the culprits will be traced and held accountable at the earliest. [KNT]