Kupwara , Sep 11 (JKNS) : Kamraj Forest Division on Thursday observed Forest Martyrs’ Day at Bagh-e-Tehseen, Drugmulla, to honour forest personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while protecting forests and wildlife.
The commemorative programme was held under the leadership of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kamraj Forest Division, Kupwara Owais Mir. As part of the observance, a plantation drive was organised under the “Ek Ped Shaheed Ke Naam” initiative, with family members of Forest Martyrs planting saplings in memory of their loved ones.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for the Forest Department to interact with and honour the families of the Martyrs. The family members were felicitated as a mark of respect and recognition for the sacrifices made by their loved ones in the service of the nation and protection of forests.
Addressing the gathering, DFO Kamraj Owais Mir paid rich tributes to all Forest Martyrs, with special remembrance of forest personnel from District Kupwara who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
He said Forest Martyrs’ Day is observed across the country to remember and honour the courage, commitment and dedication of forest personnel who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. He added that the sacrifices of the Martyrs serve as a constant source of inspiration for the present generation of forest officers and officials to discharge their responsibilities with the same zeal, courage and dedication, particularly in protecting forests and wildlife.
The DFO also acknowledged the role of the NGFOA and the Retired Forest Officers Association in highlighting the genuine concerns of the Forest fraternity and pursuing their redressal with the Government.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Bashir, representing the Retired Forest Officers Association, emphasised that the welfare of the Forest community remains a priority. He highlighted several long-pending issues concerning Forest employees, including risk allowance and pay anomalies, and stated that these matters have repeatedly been taken up with the Government for appropriate redressal.
The programme was organised under the overall supervision of Range Officer Kupwara, Shri Basharat Aijaz. Range Officer North Lolab, Shri Reyaz Ahmed, along with his staff, also participated in the commemorative programme.
Forest officers, field staff, family members of Forest Martyrs, and representatives of Forest employees’ and retired officers’ associations attended the event.
The programme concluded with a solemn tribute to the Forest Martyrs
