Baramulla, Feb 25,: Unknown miscreants allegedly chopped down around 100 high-density apple trees overnight in Saloosa Kreeri village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, leaving a local farmer facing substantial financial loss.
The damaged orchard belongs to Ghulam Mustafa Malik, who said he had spent nearly two decades cultivating and maintaining the plantation. The orchard served as the primary source of income for his family.
Malik said he discovered the destruction early in the morning during his routine visit to the orchard. He said initially he noticed only a few damaged trees but upon further inspection found that nearly 100 trees had been felled.
“I have worked on this land for almost 20 years. This orchard was my lifetime investment and the only means to support my family,” he said, adding that he had no dispute with anyone and was unaware of the motive behind the act.
The farmer appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible. He announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for credible information and assured that the identity of the informer would remain confidential. He also said he would pursue legal action in the matter.
Malik urged the police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those involved to prevent recurrence of such incidents. [KNT]
