Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 19: At least 12 persons involved in illicit timber smuggling today surrendered before police in presence of Forest Department officials at Rafiabad area of North Kashmir Baramulla district.
An official said for last few months police along with Forest Protection Force tightened noose against forest smugglers and the surrender by these 12 persons is as a result of the pressure that was being maintained on them.
Expressing happiness over these surrenders, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rafiabad Shabir Ahmad Khan said police along with civil administration will try to give first preference to accommodate these persons for different types of work for their livelihood. He said that these persons will also be recommended and preference would be given to them when in future SPOs recruitment would be conducted.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Langate said it is a unique moment for all that these smugglers have come with their own consent to surrender and Forest department would be accommodating them as dailywagers in future.
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