Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
The Forest Non-Gazetted Employees’ Union of Chamba Forest Division has strongly condemned the brutal daylight attack on Van Mitra Om Prakash (25) while he was on duty in Khairna Beat of Churah Forest Division.
Union officials expressed deep outrage, calling the assault a cowardly act and stressing that an attack on a uniformed employee is an attack on the morale of the entire department. According to reports, Om Prakash was performing his duties when he was assaulted with sticks and threatened with death.
The Union declared that such violence against staff on duty will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It assured full support to Om Prakash, pledging legal and administrative assistance to ensure justice.
Despite several hours passing since the incident, the accused have not yet been arrested, which the Union described as a matter of grave concern. It demanded that the police and administration act swiftly to bring the culprits behind bars, warning that failure to do so could embolden further attacks on government employees.
The Union also urged senior authorities to strengthen security arrangements for staff patrolling sensitive forest areas. “Van Mitras are the backbone of the department, safeguarding forests in remote and difficult terrains. If the protectors themselves are not safe, how can forests be protected?” the Union asked, pressing for immediate action from the police administration.
