Main Mehar Ali accuses Govt of harassment of tribals, praises LG
SRINAGAR: After Member Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad targeted the Omar-led Government on its performance on Sunday, it was his son and Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kangan, Mehar Ali, who today accused the government of harassment of tribals and forest dwellers.
Ali while speaking during Zero Hour accused the Government of harassment of the forest dwellers and tribals since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took over reigns of power last year. He said that forest-dwelling communities faced no harassment during the Lieutenant Governor’s rule and it started when the Government was formed last year.
The MLA alleged that senior forest officials have been “continuously harassing” tribal and forest-dwelling families over the past year. “Until the LG’s rule, no one harassed these people. But since this government took over, forest officials have been intimidating and threatening them,” he said.
Ali said the affected families have lived in these areas for more than 50 years, safeguarding forest resources. “I even raised the same issue last time in the Assembly, but no action was taken. These people have protected the forests for generations. Instead of appreciating them, officials are now demolishing their makeshift dwellings and destroying their orchards,” he added.
The MLA specifically accused a local range officer of misconduct and intimidation of villagers, urging the Government to take immediate notice and initiate strict action to prevent further harassment.
Addressing Forest Minister Javeed Rana, Ali said, “Why are your officials harassing the people there? They go repeatedly and disturb them without any reason. The Government must take serious action before the situation escalates.”
Supporting Ali’s allegations, MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone urged the Government to ensure that Forest officials refrain from unnecessary interference and respect the rights of forest-dwelling communities. “These officials enter homes without knocking. Whatever has happened so far is enough, but if they continue, they will themselves be responsible for their safety,” Lone warned.
He alleged that Forest officials, often accompanied by police, recently assaulted a woman and confiscated a man’s phone after he recorded the incident. “The SHO snatched his phone and has yet to return it,” Lone said.
Calling for strong Government action, he added, “Please take this issue very seriously. Call these officials and ask them not to terrorize the people. For seventy years, these communities have cultivated agricultural land and protected the forests. We are here because of these people. Please stop this terrorism against them.”
It may be mentioned here that Mian Altaf advised the Omar-led Government to improve its performance and take immediate steps to resolve people’s issues.
He held the Government responsible for delaying the recruitment process saying it would have provided livelihood to many educated unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
