MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The field staff of the Forest Department Kotli Division apprehended two culprits for setting fire to forests in the Pir Badesar area in Tehsil Khuiratta and handed them over to the police.
The police registered a case and initiated legal proceedings against both the accused.
Today, they were presented before the court, and considering the seriousness of the crime, the court rejected their bail application and sent them to jail on judicial remand.
The district administration has reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against those involved in damaging the natural environment, setting fire to forests, or engaging in other destructive activities.
Deputy Commissioner Kotli Major (R) Nasir Rafique said that strict measures will continue against such mischievous elements so that no one dares to harm natural resources in the future.
He further urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant institutions so that timely action can be taken.
On this occasion, Superintendent of Forests Kotli, Imran Sadiq, said that forests are a valuable asset for our survival, ecological balance, and future generations. “Their protection is the common responsibility of all of us.”
