Demolition drive in Jammu | Govt sets-up committee to probe into Forest Rights Act violations

Jammu Tawi, May 20: The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Wednesday constituted a committee to probe possible violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 during the demolition of tribal houses in Sidhra, Jammu, on Tuesday.

The Department of Tribal Affairs has set up a two-member committee to enquire into and report on any violations of the Act during the recent demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in Raiki Bandi (Sidhra), Jammu.

According to the official order, the panel will comprise Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, Director Tribal Affairs, and Muzamil Hassan Choudhary. The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days of the issuance of the order.

The probe was ordered a day after authorities demolished several structures and reclaimed nearly 60 kanals of prime forest land in the Mahamaya forest belt.

The joint operation was carried out by officials of the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Revenue Department, and the police to remove encroachments from forest areas in the lower Shivalik range.

According to officials, the reclaimed land is worth crores of rupees and forms part of ecologically sensitive forest zones around Jammu city.

Sidra Demolitions unfortunate, should not have happened: Dy CM

Srinagar, May 20: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday termed the demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in Sidra area of Jammu as “unfortunate” and said such actions should not have taken place.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Uri in Baramulla district, Choudhary said the issue was not linked to any religion or community, but concerned humanity and the right of poor people to shelter.

He said people construct their homes after facing immense hardships and questioned why the authorities failed to act when the structures were allegedly being raised if the land belonged to the forest department.

“If the construction was illegal on forest land, it could not have come up overnight. Where were the concerned departments at that time?” he asked, while strongly condemning the demolition drive.

Choudhary said the elected government in the Union Territory has limited powers and many officers, including IAS, IPS and police officials, do not fall under the direct control of the National Conference-led government.

“Neither can we transfer them nor post or promote them,” he said, adding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the matter.

No genuine houses touched’ in eviction drives: Koul

Srinagar, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ashok Koul on Wednesday said the ongoing anti-encroachment drives in Jammu are being carried out strictly against illegal occupations of government and forest land, asserting that no genuine residential structures have been touched during the process.

Speaking during a party function in Srinagar, BJP’s Ashok Koul, said the exercise is part of a lawful process aimed at removing unauthorised encroachments from state and forest land.

“No house of genuine residents has been touched. Action is being taken against those who have encroached on government or forest land without permission,” he said.

Koul said the drive is not arbitrary but is being conducted in accordance with legal and judicial directions issued in 2020, which are now being implemented on the ground as part of a structured exercise to retrieve public land.

“The court directions issued in 2020 are being implemented now,” he said, adding that such steps are necessary to ensure protection of public resources and prevent further illegal occupation of land meant for public use.

The BJP leader said the ongoing action is focused only on unlawful constructions and encroachments, and reiterated that the interests of genuine residents have been fully safeguarded.

He further said the recent political engagement and joining of new members reflect a visible shift in public sentiment. “We welcome everyone who is joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. This shows that the party is growing in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir,” he said.

Koul added that the BJP would continue to organise such outreach programmes across the Valley in the coming days.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent public appeals on reducing unnecessary expenditure and promoting conservation, Koul said these suggestions were aimed at long-term national benefit.

“Whatever Modi Ji has said should be implemented by the people. During COVID, the Prime Minister provided free rations, which are continuing. He always thinks ahead for the country,” he said.

The BJP leader referred to calls for reducing fuel consumption and limiting the use of certain commodities, describing them as measures linked to both economic prudence and public health awareness.