SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) has attributed the ongoing demolition and eviction drives in forest land areas of Jammu district to a government order issued in 2015 during the previous People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition government.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that NC chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Ahmed, stated that Government Order No. 496-GAD of 2015, dated April 1, 2015, established the basis for the current actions impacting residents in areas like Bathindi, Sidhra, and Sunjwan.
Ahmed described the order as one of the initial directives from the PDP-BJP alliance’s tenure, which he alleged sowed the seeds for the present demolitions. He further explained that the order sanctioned the formation of a committee tasked with demarcating disputed forest land. This committee, headed by the Chief Conservator of Forests (S and D), Jammu, included officials from the Forest Department, Survey and Land Records, and the Jammu Development Authority (JDA).
The committee’s mandate was to ascertain the land status, delineate forest land from other categories, and submit its findings within two months. The NC leader asserted that this specific order has become the primary reason for the recent eviction drives. He criticized the subsequent political reactions, suggesting that the PDP-BJP’s initial action is now being used to create communal divisions, with the PDP portraying itself as a victim.
The National Conference has reiterated its stance against these evictions, with Ahmed affirming the party’s commitment to supporting individuals affected by what he termed unjust demolition and eviction operations. The party has pledged to stand with the populace against such measures.
The issue has gained significant political traction, particularly after multiple families in Bathindi and Sidhra received demolition notices, leading to protests and a political outcry across the region. The developments have brought to the forefront concerns regarding land rights and forest land encroachment in the Jammu district.
In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has established a two-member fact-finding committee. This panel is assigned to investigate the demolition of homes belonging to tribal families in Raika Bandi, Sidhra, reportedly for violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The committee, led by Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, has been given a seven-day timeframe to submit its findings and recommendations to the administration.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
