Khopi Forest Land Row: Congress Warns of Protest Over Tribal Farmers’ Rights

SURAT : With tribal farmers of Khopi allegedly facing uncertainty over their right to cultivate traditional forest land, Gujarat Congress  has  stepped up pressure on forest authorities, demanding an immediate and transparent resolution of pending Forest Rights claims.

A Congress delegation met Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Puneet Nair and Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Dhiraj Kumar at the Surat forest department office. Representatives of affected farmers also attended the meeting.

The issue has gained momentum as women leader Leelaben Vasava has been on a hunger strike for the past 18 days, while local tribal farmers have continued their dharna seeking recognition of their rights.

Gujarat Assembly Congress Legislature Party leader Dr Tushar Chaudhary questioned the alleged difference in treatment between claimants from Sagbara and Umarpada.

“If claims of farmers from Umarpada are pending and they are treated in one manner, why is there different and unfair treatment for farmers of Sagbara?” Chaudhary asked.

He demanded that the forest department provide a clear legal basis for preventing pending claimants from cultivating their traditional land before a final decision on their claims.

Congress state general secretary Sandeep Mangrola demanded verification of the pending claims and examination of records, including the 2010 Gram Sabha resolution.

“If farmers with pending Forest Rights claims are stopped before completion of the legal process without a legal basis, responsibility should be fixed under the relevant law,” Mangrola said.

The party demanded that no cultivation be stopped until a final decision, that Sagbara and Umarpada farmers receive equal treatment, and that affected farmers be given a written response.

Congress also warned of a democratic protest at the Surat forest department office if authorities allegedly create unnecessary obstacles.

The party said the dispute must be resolved through a transparent, equitable and legal process while protecting the livelihood and legitimate Forest Rights claims of tribal farmers in the Khopi-Sagbara region.