Authorities in Jammu carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Rahim Nagar on October 3, demolishing nearly a dozen illegally constructed huts on forest land. Most of the structures were reportedly occupied by Rohingya families.
Forest, Revenue Departments and Police Joined Drive
The operation was carried out jointly by the Forest Department, Forest Protection Force, Revenue Department and police in the Raika Forest area on the outskirts of Jammu. Local reports said around 10 to 12 huts and one concrete structure were removed during the action.
Officials Say Action Was Against Encroachment
Forest officials said the drive was aimed at clearing illegal encroachments from forest land and was not targeted at any particular community. Officials said the affected area covered around five hectares and that records of the encroachments had been prepared.
According to the Forest Department, occupants had been warned before the demolition. Officials also said residents were given an opportunity to remove their belongings, while women and children were assisted out of the structures.
Families Say They Have Nowhere to Go
Some affected residents disputed the administration’s account. One resident alleged that he had not received prior notice and said his family had been living in the area for more than a decade.
Rohingya residents said some families had been living in Jammu for many years after leaving Myanmar and expressed concern about where they would go following the demolitions.
Second Major Eviction Drive in a Month
The Rahim Nagar action comes weeks after authorities took action against a Rohingya settlement in Jammu’s Karyani Talab area. The latest drive is part of wider administrative action concerning encroachments and settlements in Jammu.
The administration says the focus is removal of illegal encroachments from forest land, while affected families are now facing uncertainty over their shelter and future.