SRINAGAR: Forest Department and Forest Protection Force personnel carried out joint night operations in Najwan forests of Sindh Forest  Range during which nakas were laid at various places.

At one such Naka near Najwan crossing, a Maruti car was stopped and the lone driver of the car jumped out and ran away taking advantage of the darkness and dense woods. The alert Forest staff along with Forest Protection Force Personnel of Ganderbal Gamma Unit seized Maruti 800 Car bearing Registration No 4587 /JKO1E  which was found loaded with illicit timber ( Deodar / sawn) :16.30 cfts ).

 The vehicle along with illicit timber was carted down to safe place. Confiscation proceedings have been initiated in the case and hunt is on to nab the culprit, whose identity is being ascertained.

In the wee hours, field staff of Doabgah Range J V Forest Division along with the staff of Kanispora Block and Forest Protection Force staff seized horses loaded with illicit sawn deodar sleepers 12 Nos = 45.09 Cfts. The seized timber was carted down to the safer place.

In another incident two horses loaded with illicit timber Fir = 16.87 Cfts seized by Range Officer Romshi Range Shopian Division at Sangerwani. Culprits managed to escape taking advantage of darkness however they have been identified.