J&K minister Javed Rana accuses L-G of ‘targeted demolitions against Gujjars, Bakarwals’ in Jammu, ‘will not be silent spectators’

Key points

• A major demolition drive against the nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal community, allegedly by the Lieutenant Governor administration in Jammu on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), evoked protests from ruling Conference (NC) ministers and legislators, with Cabinet minister Javed Rana terming it as “a targeted and cruel eviction aimed at terrorising and marginalising our nomadic tribal”.
• Officials said a joint team of the Forest Department, accompanied by a huge posse of the J&K Police, marched towards the Raika Bandi area of Jammu with earth-moving machines.
• In around four hours of demolition drive, eyewitnesses said 32 structures spread over around three hectares of land close to forests were demolished.
• Officials said it was an anti-encroachment drive, an allegation contested by the inhabitants.
• “We have been living here for decades.