Sheikh Hilal
Shopian
Eleven timber smugglers from Kathohallan and adjoining Shopian areas surrendered before the authorities on Saturday, forsaking the illegal activity with an oath not to repeat it in future as it was proving detrimental to the environment and society.
DFO Shopian, Manzoor Ahmad said, “These smugglers were wanted by Forest department in different cases of timber smuggling but they approached voluntarily and wished to surrender if they are forgiven.”
“We had tightened the noose around the smugglers and restricted their illegal activities. We also counseled many to give up the activity which convinced them to surrender,” the DFO added.
“This surrender is the result of pressure by the forest department in which 6 smugglers were sent to jail under PSA. This drive against smugglers would continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said, “Those who surrendered, I will write to govt for relief in punishment against them.”