Jammu, May 22: In a major development following the demolition of houses belonging to Gujjar-Bakerwal families in Raika area of Sidra, the Omar Abdullah-led Government on Friday evening ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident amid rising outrage and allegations of misuse of authority by officials of the Forest and other departments.
The Government has constituted a multi-member inquiry committee headed by senior KAS officer Rajinder Singh Tara. Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Jammu and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jammu have been appointed as members of the panel, which has been asked to submit its report within one week.
Official sources said the Government has taken a serious view of the demolitions, particularly after reports surfaced that several affected families were migrant Gujjars from rural Kashmir and Pir Panjal regions who had migrated to Jammu after facing militancy-related violence and hardships.
Sources further indicated that action may be initiated against officials found responsible, with the administration closely examining the role of the Forest Department in the matter.
Meanwhile, the Tribal Affairs Department has also constituted a separate fact-finding committee headed by senior KAS officer Mumtaz Ali to investigate alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution.
The demolition drive has sparked strong reactions within the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, with several tribal organisations describing the action as “targeted harassment” carried out under the guise of anti-encroachment and anti-drug operations in Jammu.
Community representatives alleged that Gujjar families in Jammu have been facing repeated harassment, profiling and selective action for years, while influential land grabbers and powerful individuals continue to escape scrutiny.
The incident has also intensified criticism over the functioning of the administration, with opposition voices and social groups accusing sections of the bureaucracy of acting without accountability.
Political observers believe the Raika demolition episode could emerge as a major political issue in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding tribal rights, administrative accountability and enforcement of law.
Further developments are expected as both inquiry committees begin investigations amid growing public and political pressure. (KNC)
