Major timber smuggling attempt foiled in Baramulla

Baramulla: In a major coordinated operation, the Forest Department Baramulla, in close collaboration with the Indian Army’s 46 RR and the Forest Protection Force (FPF), foiled an illegal timber smuggling attempt in the Hajibal forest area of Baramulla district during the intervening night of May 27 and 28, 2025.

According to officials, at approximately 11:45 PM, a joint team intercepted a load carrier bearing registration number JK04/3535, originating from Budgam district, transporting illicit Deodar timber logs through dense forest terrain near old town Baramulla.

A scuffle reportedly broke out between the joint team and the timber smugglers, who resisted arrest. Two Forest Protection Force personnel sustained minor injuries in the confrontation and were treated at a nearby hospital before being discharged. Taking advantage of the darkness, the six timber smugglers managed to flee, but their identities have been confirmed by the Forest Department. A massive manhunt is underway to apprehend the individuals.

In the operation, eight logs of Deodar timber, amounting to 37 cft, were seized along with the vehicle. The seized material was successfully transported to the Forest Department’s seizure depot in Baramulla. An FIR under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and relevant sections of the IPC is being filed at the local police station.

Speaking to the media, Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah (IFS), hailed the operation as a significant victory in the department’s ongoing campaign against forest offences. “This successful operation in Baramulla is a testament to the seamless coordination between the Forest Department, the Indian Army, and the Forest Protection Force,” he said. “We will invoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) against anyone found damaging forest resources. There will be no leniency.”

He commended the swift intelligence coordination, lauding the proactive support of the Army and the vigilance of the FPF. “The timely sharing of information and coordinated deployment of personnel were instrumental in ensuring this success,” he added.

Javed Rahim, Deputy Director of the Forest Protection Force, Baramulla, also urged the public to remain vigilant and support the department’s efforts by reporting forest offences. “We urge citizens to be our eyes and ears on the ground. Strict legal action will be taken under the Forest Act against anyone found engaged in illegal timber activities,” he said.