Jammu, Nov 14 (PTI) A large number of people belonging tothe Gujjar community today held protest outside Jammu andKashmir Forest Minister Chaudhary Lal Singh's residence hereagainst eviction of people, especially members of their tribe,from forest belts.
Led by Nazakat Khanna, people belonging of the nomadictribe led sheeps and goats in front of the minister's houseand blocked the road.
The protesters demanded that the government allow allpeople in forest areas and not evict Gujjars from forestlands.
Police said that they had to resort to mild baton chargeto disperse the protesters.
The government has fenced most of the forest lands toprevent encroachments and only Bakerwals, who have been issuedidentification cards, are being allowed to graze their cattlein forest areas. PTI AB MGNSD.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.