Congress Demands Probe into Alleged Eviction of Forest-Dependent Families in Garhwa, Seeks Immediate Forest Rights Titles

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged eviction and demolition of houses belonging to Dalit and forest-dependent families in Bulka village under Ramna police station in Garhwa district, alleging violations of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

A delegation of affected families met Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee State Spokesperson Vijay Shankar Nayak and submitted a memorandum claiming that despite filing applications for recognition of their rights under the Forest Rights Act, their houses were demolished and they were rendered homeless without their claims being disposed of.

Expressing serious concern over the incident, Nayak said that evicting eligible Dalit and forest-dependent families before deciding their claims under the Forest Rights Act was unacceptable and contrary to both the spirit of the legislation and the constitutional principles of social justice.

He said the Forest Rights Act was enacted to recognise the historical rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, and authorities should have ensured the timely disposal of claims before initiating any action. "Making poor families homeless without following due legal process cannot be justified," he said.

Nayak alleged that if officials of the local administration or the Forest Department acted in violation of the law and the state government's commitment to protecting the rights of tribal, Dalit and forest-dependent communities, they should face strict departmental and legal action. He called for a high-level, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the entire episode.

The Congress leader urged the state government to immediately dispose of all pending claims under the Forest Rights Act and issue forest rights titles to all eligible families, including those from Bulka village. He also sought rehabilitation, housing, food security and livelihood support for families whose homes had been demolished.

Nayak further demanded strict implementation of the Forest Rights Act and relevant Supreme Court and Government of India guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future. He also urged the Garhwa district administration and Forest Department to expedite the verification and disposal of pending forest rights claims.

Reaffirming the Congress party's commitment to protecting the rights of Dalits, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalised communities, Nayak warned that if justice was not delivered to the affected families, the party would pursue the matter through constitutional and democratic means and, if required, launch a peaceful public movement. He expressed confidence that Chief Minister Hemant Soren would take serious note of the matter and ensure appropriate action against those found responsible.