India, Feb. 5 -- Ajay Sharma

Reasi, February 4

Large-scale illegal felling of Khair trees in the Pouni Range of Reasi Forest Division has apparently exposed the authorities.



Field report by The Northlines revealed freshly cut stumps of Khair trees were concealed under soil and leaves.

Talking to this reporter, locals accused forest officials of complicity in the theft, estimating that at least 50 to 60 trees have been unlawfully chopped down in the Sandoor Gajod area of Block Pouni.



"You see these are the Khair trees, who has stolen? Until the forest employee is not in the middle, no one has the courage to cut the Khair trees," said locals, adding that fresh cuts on trees with no official markings or sanctions is certainly a de...