VC Gujjar Bakerwal Board calls on Forest Minister

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 25: Ch. Zafar Ali Khatana, Vice Chairman J&K State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars & Bakerwals called on Minister for Forests, Ch. Lal Singh and took up the issue of eviction of Gujjars and Bakerwals from forest land/ areas.
The Vice Chairman expressed concern about recent evictions by the Forest Department of the Gujjar and Bakerwal families dwelling in forest areas since decades.
The Minister while expressing his sympathies towards Gujjars & Bakerwals community assured the Vice Chairman that the eviction drive will be stopped forthwith to settle the issue amicably. He said in this direction a permanent permit card will be prepared for each family which will carry information regarding the areas of forests where the family will dwell along with cattle during winter as well as summer season without any inconvenience.
The Vice Chairman also discussed with the Minister the implementation of Central Forest Act, 2006 which grants dwelling and other rights to the tribal community in forest areas.