chitral 400CHITRAL: The district administration of Chitral has imposed section 144 in Ayun valley banning all types of rallies and public gatherings following protests by the local people against cutting of trees in their area.

 

The police have registered FIR against 53 people protesting against the cutting of trees and deforestation and arrested over 20 so far.

 

In massive protest against deforestation by different quarters of society in Ayun valley, the business activities came to standstill on the call of the traders union while schools remained closed.

 

Moreover, a religious congregation was held in the main Jamia Mosque of the valley that was addressed by former Tehsil Nazim Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk and District President Qaumi Watan Party, Abdul Wali Advocate.

 

A unanimous resolution was passed by the congregation that an independent commission should be set up that would determine the royalty issue and other pertinent matters related to the cutting of forests in Ayun valley.

 

They maintained that due to massive cutting of forests and trees, Ayun valley was adversely affected and was hit by natural disasters like floods and demanded compensation for the people of the area.

 

The congregation opined that cutting of trees and deforestation should be banned in the district under Environment Protection Act.

 

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012

Comments

Comments are closed.