4,550 willow clefts seized in JK

Sleuths of Jammu and Kashmir excise department today seized 4,550 willow clefts -- meant for making cricket bats -- at inter-state toll plaza on Jammu- Pathankote highway in Kathua district.
Acting on a tip-off, the excise department sleuths intercepted a truck loaded with 4,550 willow clefts at Lakhanpur toll plaza on the highway, Excise and Taxation Officer Sanjay Bhat said here.
However, the driver of the truck fled the spot, Bhat said, adding the whole operation was conducted under the direct supervision of Dy Excise Commissioner Mushtaq Ahmed.
Transportation of willow clefts outside the state is banned under J&K Willow Act 2000.