Jammu: Strongly criticising the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference Government over what he described as the faulty implementation and failure to effectively enforce the Forest Rights Act (FRA), Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha – Nominated) and senior BJP leader Er. Gulam Ali Khatana accused the government of using the Muslim population of Jammu region merely as a vote bank while failing to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
Er. Khatana made these remarks after a delegation of residents from nearly 20 local settlements near Lal Madrasa, Bathindi, Jammu, stopped his vehicle and requested him to listen to their grievances concerning alleged harassment by Forest Department officials, particularly over attempts to install fencing in the area.
The residents apprised him of the difficulties being faced by families who have been living in these settlements for generations. They alleged that Forest Department officials were attempting to fence areas without properly addressing their claims and concerns regarding private land, residential properties and traditional habitation rights.
Er. Khatana expressed concern over allegations of arbitrary demarcation of private land as forest land, observing that any such exercise, if undertaken without proper verification of revenue records, ownership documents and due legal procedure, could seriously prejudice the rights of innocent families. He alleged that such actions were creating fear and uncertainty among a particular section of society and demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter.
“The National Conference Government cannot seek the votes of Jammu’s Muslim population during elections and turn a blind eye to their problems once in power. People who have been living in these settlements for generations deserve justice, security and protection of their lawful rights. They cannot be left at the mercy of arbitrary administrative decisions,” Er. Khatana said.
He emphasised that the Forest Rights Act, 2006, is a legislation intended to recognise and vest forest rights in eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, subject to the statutory conditions. Its implementation must be transparent, fair and consistent with the prescribed legal procedure. He alleged that the failure to effectively implement the Act in the affected areas had left eligible families vulnerable to administrative harassment and uncertainty.
The MP demanded that the Forest Department immediately review the proposed fencing and demarcation exercises, verify the relevant revenue and forest records, and ensure that no eligible claimant is deprived of legitimate rights without following due process of law.
He further called upon the Omar Abdullah Government to stop what he termed selective and politically motivated neglect of the concerns of Jammu’s Muslim population and to demonstrate its commitment through concrete administrative action rather than electoral assurances.
Er. Khatana assured the delegation that he would take up their grievances with the concerned authorities and seek an impartial examination of the alleged irregularities. He also urged the administration to engage with affected residents and resolve the matter through dialogue and lawful procedures.
“Forest conservation and protection of genuine forest land are important, but they cannot become an excuse for arbitrary action against families. Neither private property rights nor the statutory protections available under the FRA can be brushed aside. The government must ensure justice, transparency and equal treatment for every citizen,” he added.