MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Employees of the Forest Department staged a protest demonstration against the assassination attempt on Malik Asad Mahmood, Director General Forests Azad Kashmir, and warned the administration to take action against the accused.
The district administration and police became active following the alleged threats to the Director General of the Azad Kashmir Forest Department in Muzaffarabad.
A complaint has been lodged with the SSP Muzaffarabad against a person named Waqar Sheikh, accusing him of harassment and hurling threats of dire consequences.
Police have initiated preliminary investigations, and security has been further tightened.
According to officials, strict legal action will be taken against those who threaten state institutions, and a case is likely to be registered soon based on evidence.
In protest against the attack on the Director General, all offices of the central forest department, including the Neelum Circle office in Neelum district and other divisional offices, observed a complete shutdown.
Neelum Forest Department
The employees of all three divisions of the Neelum Forest Department have announced a strong protest by blocking the Neelum Highway if the matters are not resolved by Tuesday (today).
The employees said that a cowardly attack on a dedicated officer like Malik Asad Mahmood will not be tolerated under any circumstances. “This attack is not just on an individual but on the administrative structure of the state.”
Officers who work day and night for the protection of forests and wildlife cannot be deterred from their duties by intimidation or violence, the protesters said.
“We strongly demand the Government of Azad Kashmir and the administration to immediately make an example of those involved in this attack.”
