Srinagar, 03 August (H.S.): Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today visited village Kanidajan in the Charar-i-Sharief Constituency, where he held a public outreach camp to listen to the grievances of the people, review the developmental needs of the area and assess the overall progress of various public welfare initiatives.

During the public interaction, the people apprised the Speaker of several issues concerning the area and projected their developmental aspirations while expressing appreciation for his continued outreach and accessibility.

A major concern raised by the villagers pertained to the alleged harassment caused by issuance of eviction notices by the Forest Department and the reported obstruction of agricultural activities on lands which, they said, have been under their possession and cultivation for generations.

The residents informed the Speaker that a large number of families are solely dependent on the produce from these lands for their livelihood and urged the Government to safeguard their legitimate rights.

Addressing the gathering, the Speaker categorically stated that no one would be allowed to act in violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. He asserted that the rights of all eligible beneficiaries under the Act would be protected in letter and spirit adding that no undue harassment of villagers would be tolerated.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar