Our future has been cut down’: Kulgam Family devastated after orchard destroyed

Meer Irfan

Kulgam, June 16:  A family in Hatipora Yaripora area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district has been left devastated after nearly 530 high-density apple trees in their orchard were allegedly cut down overnight, causing an estimated loss of around ₹25 lakh.

The affected family, headed by Abdul Rashid Teli, said the orchard represented years of sacrifice, hard work, and hope for a better future. The incident has triggered shock and grief in the area, while police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

Abdul Rashid Teli’s story is one of struggle and perseverance. Before venturing into horticulture, he worked as a carpenter and also earned a living through daily-wage labour. Hoping to secure a stable future for his family, he gradually invested his savings and borrowed money to establish a high-density apple orchard on four kanals of land.

According to family members, the orchard was developed over four years and was expected to become the family’s primary source of income in the coming years. To finance the project, Abdul Rashid reportedly mortgaged his house and availed a bank loan.

Family members said every tree in the orchard symbolised sacrifice, determination, and dreams for a better future.

“We faced many difficulties while building this orchard. It took four years of hard work and sacrifice. Today, when we look at it, it feels as if our entire family has been shattered,” a family member said.

Another member of the family said the orchard was their only major source of hope after years of financial struggle.

“My brother worked day and night for this orchard. He worked as a carpenter, did labour work, and even took loans to make this dream possible. Whoever did this has destroyed our future,” he said.

The family said the loss is not merely financial but deeply emotional as well, especially at a time when they are already coping with the recent demise of Abdul Rashid’s father, who had spent years working hard to support the household.

“Our father struggled his entire life for this family. This orchard was supposed to bring some relief and stability to us. Seeing it destroyed like this is heartbreaking,” another relative said.

Locals described the incident as deeply unfortunate and expressed sympathy with the family. Residents said the orchard had become a symbol of hope and self-reliance for the family after years of economic hardship.

“This was not just an orchard; it was the result of years of sacrifice. No poor family should have to witness such destruction,” a local resident said.

The family claims that all 530 trees in the orchard were destroyed, resulting in losses estimated at nearly ₹25 lakh. They have appealed to the administration and law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are identified and punished.

“This orchard was our dream and our only hope for a secure future. We want justice and strict action against those involved,” another family member said.

Meanwhile, the incident has raised concern among local residents and orchard owners, especially as several similar incidents involving damage to orchards and cutting of apple trees have reportedly surfaced in different areas in recent weeks. Police are investigating the case, and officials said efforts are underway to identify those involved and ascertain the motive behind the destruction.

Locals have urged the authorities to take strict action against the culprits and ensure better protection for orchard owners, stating that such incidents not only cause massive financial losses but also shatter the livelihoods of families dependent on horticulture.

A police official confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been initiated. “We have taken cognisance of the matter and further investigation is underway,” the official said.

For the Teli family, the orchard was far more than a source of income. It was the result of years of labour, financial sacrifice, and a vision for a better tomorrow. As the investigation continues, the family now waits for answers while struggling to come to terms with the destruction of what they call their life’s biggest investment.