Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNS): Forest Protection Force and Wildlife officials apprehended three poachers on Friday evening on the outskirts of Srinagar city and firearms used in poaching were also seized from their possession.

According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a trap was laid at Bemina by the officials of Forest Protection Force (K-01) Srinagar and Wildlife Department on receiving specific information about the movement of poachers in the area. 

The statement reads that the team succeeded in apprehending three poachers namely Ghulam Mohideen Reshi son of Ghulam Mohammad Reshi, Ghulam Mohammad Dar son pf Abdul Salam Dar and Rizwan Ahmed Dar son of Ghulam Qadir Dar--all residents of Gortang Bemina. 

It reads that three guns, four spent-bullets and two live cartridges were seized from their possession and case has been registered, while further investigations has been taken up regarding the matter. 

Notably, thousands of migratory birds visit the Kashmir valley during winter months, which arrive from Central Asian region and poachers attempt to hunt these birds. 

"As per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, hunting of migratory birds is a non-bailable offence for which maximum punishment is seven years in jail," it reads. (KNS)