Bandipora, Dec 12: With the arrival of Migratory Birds in Kashmir, the Forest Protection Force has been on forefront to curb the illegal poaching of Birds in Wular Lake in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Deputy Director Forest Protection Force (FPF) Bandipora, Aizaz Ahmad Pajwari told Rising Kashmir that seven punt guns used for killing wetland birds, were confiscated this year so far from Saderkoot, Kulhama, and Garoora villages.
He said that acting on a tip about punt guns being used for illegal bird hunting in Wular Lake, anti-poaching teams conducted raids which resulted in the seizure of these firearms.
Despite the efforts, poachers managed to escape the scenes, he said adding that punt guns are oversized shotguns employed for mass waterfowl hunting in wetlands.
Aizaz said forest protection forces have increased surveillance around Wular Lake to curb illegal hunting and safeguard its avian inhabitants.
Although punt gun usage has decreased this year, they continue their efforts against poaching, he said.
Legal proceedings have been initiated, with ongoing investigations into the matter, Deputy Director FPF Bandipora added.
While the use of punt guns is prohibited, locals allege that hunters persist using makeshift firearms to target wetland birds with impunity.
