Srinagar : The Wildlife Department, Dachigam Division, seized animal articles, including skins of protected wild animals, during a raid at a guest house in Zabarwan Peak Villa, Dewan Colony, Nishat Srinagar Kashmir.

Sources told CNS that the guest house had allegedly displayed the animal articles while promoting the property on social media platforms, prompting the department to initiate action.

Officials said the seized animal articles appear to be very old and are believed to date back to a period when hunting was legally permitted.

The articles were seized and produced before the Forest Judicial Magistrate.

The owner of the guest house, identified as Zia Mian, was directed to produce valid legal documents authorising possession of the seized wildlife articles.

Confirming the development, Wildlife Warden Dachigam, Nazeer Ahmad, told CNS that the owner was given three months to produce the required documents according to law. One month has already elapsed, and two months remain.

He said the matter is under investigation and warned that if the owner fails to produce valid legal documents within the stipulated period, an FIR will be registered and legal action will be taken as per law.

Nazeer Ahmad also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to display animal articles, even if they possess valid legal documents, as such displays may encourage wildlife-related offences and create confusion regarding their legality.(CNS)