19/05/2026
Joint Statement
"Issued by J&K RTI Movement, Forest Rights Coalition–J&K, and Gujjar-bakerwal Youth welfare Confrence"
The recent demolition drive at Sidhra, Jammu, which rendered dozens of poor Gujjar-Bakerwal families homeless, is not merely an eviction operation, it is a ruthless assault on human dignity, constitutional rights, and the spirit of justice promised under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
At a time when the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) is officially underway in Jammu & Kashmir to recognize and secure the traditional rights of forest dwellers and pastoral communities, bulldozers were unleashed upon some of the most marginalized and vulnerable citizens of this region. Families were uprooted without compassion, rehabilitation, or proper legal procedure. Reports that even the Holy Quran and basic household belongings could not be rescued before the demolition expose the shocking insensitivity and inhumanity of the operation.
Sidhra is not just about demolished structures — it is about crushed dignity, broken trust, terrified children, grieving mothers, and elderly nomadic families abandoned under the open sky. This action has deeply wounded the collective conscience of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community and all those who believe in justice and democracy.
It is deeply unfortunate and painful that many influential leaders from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community — including MLAs, MPs, ministers, IAS and IPS officers — have largely remained silent while their own people are suffering humiliation, displacement, and trauma. History does not remember silent spectators kindly. Leadership is not measured by political status, government positions, or election victories; leadership is measured by standing with your people when they are broken, frightened, and under attack.
We strongly demand that an FIR be immediately lodged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against all those responsible for this inhuman action, and justice must be delivered without delay. The affected families deserve not only rehabilitation and compensation, but also dignity, accountability, and legal protection.
We also demand that the elected government must clearly explain what exactly is happening within the Forest Department. If the Forest Ministry is under the control of an elected government, then serious questions arise: Is the forest bureaucracy functioning without accountability? Is the bureaucracy ignoring the political executive and constitutional safeguards meant for marginalized communities? The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve transparency and answers.
J&K RTI Movement, Forest Rights Coalition–J&K, and Gujjar-bakerwal Youth welfare Confrence stands firmly with the affected families of Sidhra and reiterate our unwavering commitment to continue the struggle for justice, rehabilitation, and full implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Jammu & Kashmir. We will continue to raise our voice for forest dwellers, pastoral communities, nomadic tribes, and all marginalized sections facing exclusion and injustice.
We demand:
•Immediate rehabilitation and compensation for all affected families.
•Registration of FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
•Immediate halt to forced evictions until FRA claims are properly settled.
•A judicial or independent inquiry into the demolition drive.
•Accountability of officials responsible for procedural and humanitarian violations.
•Transparent and time-bound implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in J&K.
Sidhra will remain a stain on our collective conscience until justice, humanity, and dignity are restored.
Sd/
Teams J&K RTI Movement,
Forest Rights Coalition -J &K
Gujjar-bakerwal Youth welfare Confrence,
Civil Society For Justice and Development
