Shivraj slams forest officials, backs tribals in land dispute
Bhopal: Union agriculture minister
Shivraj Singh Chouhan
on Saturday lashed out at forest department officials during a public meeting at the Sehore Collectorate, accusing them of harassing tribal communities and tarnishing the govt's image.
His remarks came amid protests by tribal villagers opposing the proposed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sanctuary in the district.
A large number of tribals gathered at the Collectorate to submit a memorandum demanding cancellation of the sanctuary project. The protestors, hailing from nearly 200 villages, claimed that over 2 lakh tribal residents who have been cultivating forest land for decades are now being targeted and labelled as illegal encroachers.
Chouhan, who is also the MP from Vidisha and a senior BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh, assured the community of his full support. "Mama is with you," he told the gathering. "I warn the forest department — do not make the mistake of harassing these people. This will not be tolerated under any circumstances."
The tribals allege that despite living and farming on forest land for 25 to 30 years, many have not been issued land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. They claim that several applications submitted through the Van Mitra Portal have not been resolved, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.
Chouhan assured the villagers that he would take up the matter directly with CM Mohan Yadav.
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