The Kashmir Dialogues
Anantnag, Oct 15: In a shocking act of vandalism, unidentified miscreants chopped off several apple trees in an orchard at Siligam Dangerpora area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, causing loss to the owner and sparking anger among locals.
According to reports, the incident took place during the night when unknown persons entered the orchard and cut down several apple trees, many of which were ready for harvest. The family owning the orchard discovered the damage early Wednesday morning.
“We were devastated to see our hard work of years destroyed overnight,” said one of the affected family members, adding that the incident appeared to be a deliberate attempt to cause financial and emotional distress. “These trees were our only source of livelihood. Whoever did this wanted to ruin us,” he said.
The family has appealed to the police and district administration to launch a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice. “We want the authorities to treat this not as a petty act but as a criminal offense targeting our survival,” the family said.
Police have taken cognizance of the matter and assured that an investigation has been initiated to identify those responsible for the act. [KNT]
