Budgam, Oct 13, KNT: Political leader Iltija Mufti has praised the Budgam district administration for acting swiftly against social media influencers who drove vehicles inside the protected Brainwar forest, calling the action “commendable” and a necessary step to protect Kashmir’s fragile ecology.
Reacting to the incident on social media, Iltija Mufti lauded Deputy Commissioner Budgam for promptly filing an FIR and seizing the vehicles involved in the unlawful activity. “Commendable how swiftly DC Budgam filed an FIR against those who sped over Budgam’s protected lush green fragile meadows. Instead of showing remorse, they bragged about this reckless behaviour on social media like a badge of honour,” she wrote.
In her statement, she criticised the influencers for treating Kashmir’s environment as a stage for social media content, stressing that natural landscapes must be treated with respect. “Kashmir’s mountains, meadows, rivers and lakes are not anyone’s playground or ornamental pieces. Certainly not meant for juvenile off-roading,” she added.
The statement came a day after authorities in Budgam seized multiple vehicles and registered an FIR against the influencers for driving recklessly inside the protected Brainwar forest area, which falls under strict environmental protection laws. The act sparked widespread outrage among locals and environmentalists, who demanded strict action to deter future violations.
Officials have confirmed that the investigation is underway, and further legal proceedings will follow as per the Forest and Environmental Protection Acts.[KNT]
