Worst anti-deforestation riots in Ayun. One dead, hundreds  arrested.

Chitral -- Over a hundred anti deforestation demonstrators have been arrested amidst worst riots in Ayun. Men and women are out on the roads demonstrating against ruthless cutting of forests and selling them down country for a premium.. Police aided by scouts personal used force, fired tear gas shells and the resulting stampede caused the death of an old man while one injured was admitted to the hospital. People belonging to Ayun are being arrested even from Chitral town. The demand of the people is to put a stop to felling of the dwindling deodar trees and sell the already felled trees in Chitral instead of exporting them out of the district. Large number of people visiting CN office and calling on phone have shown solidarity with anti-deforestation demonstrators and demanded an immediate stop to using force against unarmed people which include women and Children -- CN report,, 26 Dec 2011.

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