Sajad Lone visits Handwara’s Wadar Bala, voices concern over forest land demarcation

Kupwara, Oct 26: People’s Conference Chairman and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, Sunday visited Wadar Bala area of Handwara, where he met people, who apprised him about the proposed plan of forest department to demarcate and fence a large chunk of land being used by the locals for agricultural activities.

The locals apprised Lone that although the land belongs to the forest department but it had been in their possession for over fifty years and was being used for agricultural purposes. They expressed strong resentment over the department’s proposed decision to fence the land, saying that it will affect their livelihood as they are dependent on it for their livelihood.

Speaking to media at the culmination of the visit, Lone urged the government to handle the matter with sensitivity and avoid humiliating people. "Locals here have been using this land for decades. It is quiet unfortunate to deprive people of their livelihood. The Forest Minister and Secretary Forests must intervene to protect the rights and livelihoods of these poor and destitute locals," he said.

PC Chairman said that the proposed move of forest department could severely impact the livelihood of residents who rely on this land for cultivation. To a question about newly constructed Bangus road, Lone said that the project was nearing completion, "altnough few hurdles are there but they will soon be resolved," he added. Regarding dilapidated condition of Handwara–Wadar road, he assured that repair work will be taken up soon to provide relief to commuters.