Speedy implementation of Forest Right Act will prevent eviction of Tribes: Javaid Rahi
Jammu 10, January, 2021: Speedy implementation of Forest Right Act will prevent the potential eviction of a few lakhs tribal Gujjars, Bakerwals , Gaddis, Sippis , most of whom are forest dwellers and members of scheduled tribes from their ancestral land located in the forest of Jammu and Kashmir. This was stated by Noted tribal Researcher Dr. Javaid Rahi today while addressing a series of awareness programme about implementation of Forest Right Act 2006 in Bajalta , Sara , Sidhra area of Jammu.
In his address he said, I have seen a new light and ray of hope in the eyes of nomadic tribes who were facing evection despite being tribe as the Forest Right Act 2006 was not extended to Jammu and Kashmir till 5th of August 2019 -when Parliament of India introduced FRA to J&K.
He said till 2019 in view of evocations thousands of ST Gujjars , Bakerwals Gaddis had loosed access to their habitat, livelihoods and spiritual culture which is strange. Some of them are now working as unskilled labourers.
While replying a query, he stated that those who are migratory tribes and groups should apply under both individual rights and community rights on routes, pastures, dhoks etc.
He said now tribal are not only entitled for ownership right on forests but they are eligible to cultivate, use minor forest produce except timber, access to water resources besides they will now have grazing rights on forest lands, as well.
He said that the Tribal Research & Cultural Foundation has formulated a programme to help tribes and nomadic groups especially Gujjars Bakerwals to fill up their individual and community claims.
Tribal elders who were present includes Freed Amhed Podh, Haji Mirza Bokda, Jamat Ali Chowdhary, Mushtaq Inqlabi, Mehmood Riaz, Shams Din , Sarpanch Amjad Hussain, Manzoor Ahmed Chouhan, Amran Rashid and others.
