Onlykashmir.in News Desk
In a major push for forest rights in Jammu & Kashmir, a large public consultation organized by the Forest Rights Coalition (FRC-J&K) at Kangan unanimously adopted the historic “Kangan Declaration”, demanding the immediate and effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 across the Union Territory.
The consultation witnessed participation from tribal communities, forest dwellers, civil society members, youth leaders, former Panchayat representatives, and environmental activists. Prominent attendees included Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, Ikram Bajran, Bashir Ahmad Terwah, Advocate Sajad Kasana, Yousuf Poswal, Atta Mohammad, Mohammad Younis, and Shahida Parveen.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool termed FRA a landmark social justice law and stressed that empowering Gram Sabhas is vital for both environmental protection and community rights. Zahid Parwaz Choudhary expressed concern over delays in implementation, calling for greater accountability and transparency from government agencies.
Following extensive deliberations, participants unanimously adopted the Kangan Declaration, seeking full autonomy for Gram Sabhas, stronger accountability mechanisms, and inclusion of FRC-J&K representatives in advisory and monitoring bodies. The declaration will be submitted to the Chief Minister, concerned ministers, MLA Kangan, and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal.
The consultation concluded with a pledge to strengthen grassroots awareness and continue democratic advocacy for forest rights, with participants asserting that forest rights are essential for social justice, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience in Jammu & Kashmir.
