Jammu: Political and religious leaders in Kashmir on Wednesday strongly condemned the demolition of houses and structures belonging to tribal families in Jammu, alleging selective targeting and violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
A joint team of the forest department, revenue department, and police demolished 32 allegedly illegal structures belonging to members of the Gujjar community in the Raika Bandi area of Sidhra, Jammu, during an early morning operation on Tuesday. Authorities said the action was taken to reclaim encroached forest land.
NC Government Constitutes Inquiry Committee
Following the controversy, the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ordered a fact-finding inquiry into the demolition drive.
Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana constituted a two-member committee to investigate whether the demolition violated provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
According to an official order issued by Commissioner Secretary Tribal Affairs Prasanna Ramaswamy, the panel will examine alleged violations linked to the demolition of tribal homes in Raika Bandi, Sidhra. Officials Mohammad Mumtaz Ali and Muzamil Hassan Choudhary have been tasked with conducting the probe and submitting a report within seven days.
Opposition Leaders Allege ‘Selective Action’
Several political parties and leaders criticised the demolition drive, claiming that tribal and economically weaker communities were being unfairly targeted.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, accused the administration and elected government of harassing poor families. She referred to the demolition of tribal homes in Jammu as well as the recent demolition of houses linked to alleged drug smugglers in Kashmir.
National Conference spokesperson Ifra Jan alleged that the demolition drive specifically targeted a particular community despite widespread encroachments across Jammu. She argued that under the Forest Rights Act, Gujjar-Bakerwal families living on forest land for decades are entitled to legal protection.
Parties Question Demolition Process
The Awami Ittehad Party termed the operation “inhumane” and “anti-poor.” Party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi questioned why action was allegedly being taken only against weaker sections while large-scale encroachments elsewhere remained untouched.
Sajad Lone, chief of the People’s Conference, criticised the inquiry ordered by the government, calling it an “eyewash.” He argued that officials could quickly determine whether Forest Rights Act claims were pending instead of taking seven days.
Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party, described the manner of the demolitions as “deeply concerning” and questioned whether proper legal procedures had been followed.
Mirwaiz Raises Concern Over ‘Weaponisation of Law’
Chief cleric of Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also condemned the demolitions and accused authorities of selectively targeting communities under the guise of law enforcement.
In a post on social media platform X, he said such actions deepen mistrust and create further tensions in the region, especially when carried out without humanitarian consideration.