As the administration in Jammu and Kashmir starts its eviction drives to push the Gujjar and Bakwerwals out of their traditional homes, local and international law binds the government against it. But what is the way forward for these communities? Muzamil Jaleel The Forest Rights Act of 2006 recognises the rights of Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST), and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD), to forest lands and produce except timber. The law is informed by the understanding that FDST and OTFD are “integral to the very survival and sustainability of…
Read MoreEviction of native Gujjar, Bakerwals from forests is illegal as per Indian and International law
