Leaders representing the Gujjar community, under the umbrella of the Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust, have formally requested the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure the rigorous and complete implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Their primary concern is to safeguard the traditional habitats of the nomadic community from potential displacement. The Trust emphasized that all directives outlined in a recently issued government circular must be enforced without exception across all districts within the Union Territory. Furthermore, they urged the government to pursue legal action against any entities or individuals found to be infringing upon or impeding the rights guaranteed to forest-dwelling communities under the FRA.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the government had recently issued a reminder to Deputy Commissioners across all districts, underscoring that no member of a forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribe or other traditional forest communities should be subjected to eviction or removal from forest land they occupy. This directive is contingent upon the completion of the recognition and verification processes mandated by the Act. The Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust, a significant organization advocating for the community’s interests, expressed its appreciation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana for the issuance of this crucial circular pertaining to the Forest Rights Act.
The Trust articulated that traditional forest dwellers have historically faced considerable vulnerability for many decades, often encountering a multitude of administrative hurdles, societal hardships, and systemic difficulties throughout the Union Territory. The organization also made a strong demand for the preservation of all constitutional safeguards afforded to the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, insisting that these protections must not be diluted or compromised through bureaucratic means. The Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust further called for the establishment of permanent settlement and structured rehabilitation programs for nomadic Gujjar families. The objective of these initiatives is to provide them with stable housing, enhanced security, and improved access to essential civic amenities, thereby fostering a more secure and dignified way of life.
In highlighting the persistent challenges faced by the community, particularly those stemming from their seasonal migration patterns, the Trust made a specific plea for the immediate technical and infrastructural enhancement of Mobile Schools. These educational facilities, crucial for the children of nomadic families, are in need of modernization with up-to-date equipment and amenities to ensure a robust educational future for the children. The Trust’s demands underscore a broader call for equitable treatment and the full realization of rights for the Gujjar community, ensuring their cultural heritage and traditional livelihoods are protected while integrating them with modern developmental frameworks.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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