DDC candidate’s apple orchard vandalized in Pulwama village

PULWAMA — Unknown persons chopped down over three dozen newly planted apple saplings of a man who recently contested District Development Council (DDC) elections in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The incident occurred at Karimabad village of the district and these saplings belonged to DDC candidate Ashiq Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Karimabad.

Sources said that during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, at least 40 newly planted apple saplings belonging to DDC candidate Ashiq Ahmad Bhat of Karimabad Pulwama were cut down by miscreants at Karimabad orchards.

Ashiq Bhat had contested 3rd phase of DDC elections from Pulwama ‘B’ Constituency as an independent candidate.

Bhat could not be contacted, however, one of his relatives confirmed that miscreants have cut down at least 40 newly planted apple saplings in his orchard.

Efforts to contact local police for their comments didn’t materialize.