Politics
14h ago EN
Rana pushes for Forest Rights Act implementation in J&K
Pulwama:Aug 25: Minister Javaid Rana on Tuesday called for strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the Centre’s delay in restoring statehood to the Union Territory. Rana was addressing a tribal convention on the implementation of the FRA at Sangerwani village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Rana said the Forest Rights Act was enacted by the Parliament of India and expressed concern over what he described as the legislation being taken lightly. “Sometimes I am really surprised why this Act has been taken lightly. Is it because it deals with tribal and Pahari people that we take it lightly?” he said, asserting that the government would ensure its implementation in Jammu and Kashmir. He also thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for accepting in the Cabinet a proposal submitted regarding implementation of the legislation. The minister warned that the Forest Department would not be permitted to take action against people without following the prescribed legal procedure. He said officials found violating due process would face strict action. “Any violation found anywhere will invite strong action against the officials concerned,” Rana said. Rana also strongly questioned the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying promises made by the Centre to the people of the Union Territory remained unfulfilled. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remarks about reducing the “Delhi se Doori, Dil se Doori,” Rana said the distance between the Centre and the people of Jammu and Kashmir was instead increasing. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about reducing the distance between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, but the distances are increasing,” he said. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Rana also responded to concerns over the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), saying the first instalment for a single-village project had been received and funds released. He said the process would now be streamlined. Rana said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had been visiting New Delhi and meeting Union ministers over various issues, while some new schemes had also been introduced. On statehood, Rana said the demand should not be confined to the National Conference and urged all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to come together on the issue.