Unknown persons chop down dozens of apple trees in Bandipora village

June 3, 2025 by News Desk

Representational Image

Shabir Khan

Tension and despair gripped Gund Jahangir village in Hajin, north Kashmir, after unidentified miscreants chopped down dozens of apple trees late last night, causing widespread damage to orchards and the livelihoods of nearly 20 families.

Mohammad Abdullah Sheikh, one of the affected orchardists, described the scene as heartbreaking. “Around 50 of my trees were cut. I was shattered when I saw the destruction,” he told The Kashmiriyat, his voice heavy with emotion. He added that multiple orchards across the village were targeted, leaving a trail of ruin in an area heavily dependent on apple farming.

Sheikh also thanked local officials, including the SDM, Tehsildar, SHO Hajin, and DySP, for visiting the site and responding promptly. “We’re grateful for their cooperation, but we need justice,” he said, urging the police to bring the perpetrators to book.

Abdul Salam Parray, another orchard owner, stressed the economic blow the incident has dealt to the community. “Our entire livelihood depends on these trees. Twenty families have been affected, and the attack has spread panic among locals,” he said.

Residents have called on senior officials to ensure strict action against those responsible and demanded compensation for the losses.

Police said they have taken cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation into the incident.