J&K govt constitutes committee to probe Forest Rights violations

Srinagar, May 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a fact-finding committee to inquire into alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, in connection with the demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in the Raika Bandi area of Sidhra, Jammu on Tuesday.

According to a government order issued by the Department of Tribal Affairs, sanction has been accorded for the constitution of a two-member committee to investigate the matter and submit its report within seven days.

The committee comprises Director Tribal Affairs, J&K, Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, JKAS, and Assistant Director, Directorate of Tribal Affairs, Muzamil Hassan Choudhary, JKAS.

The order states that the committee will examine “any violations of Forest Rights Act, 2006, in respect of recent demolition of houses of Tribal families in Raika Bandi (Sidhra) Jammu.”

The move comes amid widespread criticism and protests following the anti-encroachment drive carried out by officials of the Forest Department, Revenue Department and Police, during which several structures were demolished.

The demolition drive had triggered outrage among members of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and political leaders, with allegations that the action was conducted without prior notice and in violation of tribal rights.

The order has been issued by the Department of Tribal Affairs under the directions of the Jammu and Kashmir Government.