Srinagar, Sept. 6 -- In a significant achievement, the Wildlife Department on Friday evening arrested four persons in the Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve who had ventured into the area with the purpose of hunting water birds.

The operation took place around 6:30 PM on September 5, when a patrolling party of the Shallabugh Range, headed by block officer shalbugh, Ajaz ahmad, intercepted two boats in the wetland. The team apprehended the four accused, who are in the custody of department and seized the two boats, along with hunted birds, live cartridges, and used cartridges.

The action was carried out in near-dark conditions, and officials said the courage and determination of the field staff ensured that the offenders could not e...