J&K to review rejected forest rights claims, warns officials of FIRs for violations

Jammu & Kashmir's Forests and Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Rana has ordered a review of all forest rights claims that were rejected under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This directive follows a recent circular issued by the Tribal Affairs department, urging officials to ensure no evictions occur without providing a reasonable opportunity for resolution.

Rana emphasized during a meeting with stakeholders that the rejected cases should be reviewed strictly in line with the provisions of the FRA and its associated rules to prevent the deprivation of legitimate rights of eligible forest dwellers. The move comes after the department had issued eviction notices to forest inhabitants in various parts of the Valley, particularly in the Kupwara district.

Rana, who is a tribal leader himself, stressed the importance of enhancing awareness among field-level forest officials about the FRA and advocated for a sensitive, transparent, and legally compliant approach when addressing the concerns of forest-dwelling communities. He instructed that each rejection should be reviewed, and the reason for rejection should be explained to the Gram Sabha, which has the authority to make the final decision on the rejection or acceptance of these cases.

The government, especially the Tribal Affairs Ministry, has been closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of the recent demolition of a forest dwelling community in Jammu's Sidhra. The Tribal Affairs department had issued a circular outlining a three-tier verification process, involving the Gram Sabha, a sub-divisional committee, and a district-level committee, within which grievances can be appealed twice. Evictions will not be carried out until these appeals have been exhausted.