BJP, treasury benches lock horns over Forest Rights Act

Jammu, Mar 22: J&K Legislative Assembly Saturday saw uproar over the issue of implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA).

Issue erupted when the Minister for Forests Javed Rana, while replying to the debate on demands for grants under his charge announced that those, living in the forest areas for 60-70 years, would not be evicted.

"They would not be touched," he said.

Former minister and BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma objected to his statement.

"This state is not his personal property. He should not go beyond the scope of law enacted by the Parliament," Sham said.

Rana retorted that the Act was not implemented by NC but by the Parliament.

Issue saw a verbal duel also between Sham and Rana amid the din created by the members from both sides.

Rather after listening to both the sides stated, "The Minister is saying that the law will be implemented in letter and spirit. Where is the scope of argument?"