Srinagar/JAMMU, May 21 -- As the Jammu & Kashmir government on Wednesday constituted a committee to probe possible violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 during the demolition of tribal houses in Sidhra, Jammu, on Tuesday, JK Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara called it as a sham and eyewash to pacify public anger.

The Department of Tribal Affairs has set up a two-member committee to enquire into and report on any violations of the Act during the recent demolition of houses belonging to tribal families in Raiki Bandi (Sidhra), Jammu, an official order said.

According to the official order, the panel will comprise Mohammad Mumtaz Ali, Director Tribal Affairs; and Muzamil Hassan Choudhary. The committee has been directed to ...