A day after an anti-encroachment drive on the outskirts of Jammu city, the government constituted a fact-finding committee to probe alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
According to a government order, sanction has been accorded for the constitution of a committee to enquire into and report on any violations of the Forest Rights Act in connection with the recent demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in Raika Bandi area of Sidhra in Jammu.
Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, Director, Tribal Affairs, J&K, and Muzamil Hassan Choudhary, Assistant Director, Directorate of Tribal Affairs, have been appointed members of the committee. The panel has been directed to submit its report within seven days from the issuance of the order.
The Forest Department, assisted by police personnel, had demolished 32 structures allegedly raised on forest land in recent years. Most of the structures reportedly belonged to members of the Gujjar community.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana had earlier assured an inquiry into the matter. Rana had stated that the demolition drive was conducted by the L-G administration.
Meanwhile, Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone has criticised the government’s decision to order an inquiry, terming the move a “mere eyewash”. Lone alleged that the inquiry followed a familiar pattern of institutional responses aimed at pacifying public anger without ensuring accountability.
