Jammu, May 20 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday constituted a two-member fact-finding committee to probe the demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in the Raika Bandi area of Sidhra, with specific terms of reference to examine any violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
An order issued by the Department of Tribal Affairs accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the committee will be headed by Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, JKAS, Director Tribal Affairs, J&K, and include Muzamil Hassan Choudhary, JKAS, Assistant Director in the same directorate.
“Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of fact-finding committee, comprising of following, to enquire into, and report on any violations of Forest Rights Act, 2006, in respect of recent demolition of houses of Tribal families in Raika Bandi (Sidhra) Jammu,” reads Government Order No. 18-JK(TAD) of 2026, dated May 20.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days from the date of issuance of the order, the official communication said.
Officials said the panel will ascertain the facts surrounding the demolition drive and whether due process was followed under the tribal welfare laws. KNS)
