Hizb bans felling of trees in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 28 : Concerned over increasing deforestation in the Valley, the Hizbul Mujahideen, the single largest indigenous militant outfit operating in Jammu and Kashmir, has donned the role of a forest protection group and imposed a ban on felling of trees in the entire Baramulla district.

In a statement to a local news agency, the Hizb banned the cutting of trees in north Kashmir, particularly Palhalan in Pattan area.

A Hizb spokesman said by felling the trees, particularly mulbery, the state was being deprived of the national wealth.

The outfit blamed the state government for increasing deforestation in the Valley.

UNI