Army refutes timber smuggling allegations in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 21 (UNI) The Army today refuted allegations of timber smuggling in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.

''A part of the media has been misinformed by some sources with malicious intent about the Army truck carrying illegal timber being intercepted by Forest officials in Baramulla,'' a defence spokesman said in a statement here.

He clarified that only 25 wooden sticks of 10 ft X 3 inch X 3 inch, weighing approximately 250 kg, were being taken in the truck which was checked by the Forest officials in Baramulla.

''the wood was being used by the unit in making self-help shelters in their previous location. It was being taken by the unit to their new location near Srinagar for the same purpose with no intent of taking out of the Kashmir valley,'' the spokesman said.

UNI