Archive · 30 Jul 2026
J&K Govt Issues Directive to Halt Forest Dweller Evictions
The government of Jammu and Kashmir made a new rule that says no one can be kicked out of forest land if they live there, until the government checks and confirms their rights.
This rule is based on a law called the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
The rule says that local village groups, then district groups, will look at each claim and decide if the person has a right to stay.
The rule also applies to people living in cities, where city councils do the same job.
The new rule was made after about 30 huts of tribal people were torn down in a forest near Jammu city, which made many people upset.
The government wants to make sure that people who have lived in the forest for a long time are not forced to leave without proper permission.
Jammu and Kashmir government issued a directive to halt eviction of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes until rights are recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
The directive instructs Deputy Commissioners to fast‑track recognition, verification, and settlement of forest rights claims through Gram Sabha, Sub‑Divisional, and District Committees.
The directive applies to both rural and urban areas, with Ward Committees acting as Gram Sabhas in cities.
The directive follows the demolition of about 30 tribal huts in the Raika Bandi forest belt, sparking criticism and a probe by Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana.
The ruling National Conference praised the directive as a historic step protecting tribals from displacement.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir government, Tribal Affairs Department
- What
- Issued a directive to stop evicting forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes until their rights are recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006
- When
- Thursday (following the demolition of tribal hutments)
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, specifically the Raika Bandi forest belt near Jammu city
- Why
- To protect forest dwellers from displacement after criticism of the demolition and to ensure rights are formally recognized
- Directive Issued
- Yes
- Targeted Group
- Forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers
- Legal Basis
- Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Process
- Gram Sabha → Sub-Divisional Committee → District Committee
- Trigger Event
- Demolition of ~30 tribal hutments in Raika Bandi forest belt