Srinagar, 30 Jul: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar Thursday welcomed Omar Abdullah-led Government’s landmark decision to accelerate the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, calling it a decisive step towards protecting the rights of tribal communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a major move, the Department of Tribal Affairs, headed by Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, has directed all Deputy Commissioners to immediately speed up the process of receiving, verifying and settling claims under the Forest Rights Act through the statutory three-tier mechanism.
Welcoming the decision, Imran said the elected government has acted with clarity and commitment to ensure that the rights guaranteed to tribal communities are implemented on the ground without further delay. “This is a historic and long-awaited initiative. The Omar Abdullah Government has demonstrated its resolve to protect the interests of Gujjars, Bakerwals and other tribal communities by ensuring that their legal rights are recognised and safeguarded,” he said.
Imran said the government’s directions make it clear that no eligible tribal family can be evicted from forest land until its claims under the Forest Rights Act are properly verified and decided. He said this legal safeguard will protect thousands of families from arbitrary displacement and ensure that due process is followed in every case.
He also welcomed the government’s direction to complete the claim verification process in a time-bound manner, saying it reflects an administration that is committed to justice, accountability and inclusive governance. “The elected government has sent a strong message that it stands with the tribal people. For years, these communities have waited for the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act. Today’s decision restores confidence and gives hope to thousands of deserving families,” he added.
Congratulating Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Imran expressed confidence that the directions would be implemented in letter and spirit across all districts and that every genuine claimant would receive the protection and rights guaranteed under law.
He further said the circular rightly reiterates the role of the Gram Sabha as the statutory authority for initiating the process of recognising individual and community forest rights, thereby strengthening transparency and community participation.
Reaffirming the National Conference’s commitment to social justice, Imran said the party has always stood with the poor, the marginalised and the tribal population and will continue to support every initiative that protects their rights, dignity and livelihoods.