JAMMU, May 27, 2026 : Jammu & Kashmir Forest Minister Javed Rana on Wednesday reached out to families affected by the recent anti-encroachment drive in forest areas on the outskirts of Jammu city and announced the constitution of two separate inquiry committees to investigate alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
The announcement comes after a major anti-encroachment operation carried out by police and forest department teams in the Raika Bandi forest belt of the lower Shivalik range, where over 30 structures were demolished and nearly 60 kanals of forest land were retrieved.
Addressing reporters, Rana said the inquiries were ordered under the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for procedural violations or excesses.
“For the first time, an inquiry commission has been set up regarding the hardships suffered by affected people,” the minister said.
According to Rana, one inquiry committee has been constituted under the Tribal Affairs Department to examine alleged violations of the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act, while a separate internal inquiry has been ordered within the Forest Department.
He stated that the investigations would determine whether due legal procedure under the FRA was followed before carrying out the demolition drive.
“The inquiry will examine where violations took place, who was responsible and whether affected people eligible under the Forest Rights Act were denied their lawful rights,” he said.
Rana further claimed that several senior officials and departments, including the Lok Bhavan, initially expressed lack of information regarding the demolition operation.
The minister strongly asserted that tribals, nomads and forest dwellers are protected under the Forest Rights Act and cannot be evicted without following due legal process.
“Even if these people are living on forest land, no authority can remove tribals, nomads or forest dwellers without following the due procedure established under law,” he said.
Referring to court orders cited in support of the anti-encroachment drive, Rana maintained that judicial directions also emphasise adherence to legal safeguards for tribal communities and forest dwellers.
He also appealed against attempts to communalise the issue, saying people from all communities were standing in support of the affected families.
“This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians are all standing together,” he added.
Rana further said that as a welfare state, the government has a responsibility towards poor and marginalised families living without shelter, irrespective of whether they fall under FRA provisions.
