Srinagar, July 28 -- Over 50 apple trees were axed by unidentified persons in an orchard in north Kashmir district of Kupwara, official sources said on Wednesday.

They said unidentified persons chopped down over 50 apple trees in an orchard belonging to one Mohammad Rafeeq, at Sogam in Kupwara in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

''Police have registered a case and initiated investigation into the incident,'' they said.

They said initial investigation indicate that it is a case of personal rivalry. ''All the angles of the case are being investigated and suspected persons will be called for questioning,'' they added.

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