Illegal cutting of trees at Swat ground protested.

SWAT -- Members of civil society here on Thursday staged a protest demonstration against illegal cutting of trees at Balogram ground and demanded of the government to arrest the culprits.

Holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans against ruthless chopping of maple trees, the protestors blocked the main GT Road and chanted slogans against the culprits and district administration.

They said that two years ago maple trees were planted on one side of the playground which grew as the local people and staff of the government high school, Balogram, took care of them, but the other night some miscreants chopped own some of the trees.

'We demand of the government to immediately find the culprits and arrest them,' said Dr Khalid Mehmood in his address.

He said there were hundreds of trees along the roads, streams and other areas in the district during the Swat state era, but later on all the trees were cut down.

'Those who have cut down the trees do not want to see this country green,' said Dr Jawad Iqbal.

Deputy commissioner Junaid Khan while taking notice of the incident said he had directed AC Babuzai and district forest officer to investigate the incident and lodge an FIR against the culprits.

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