Farming on forest land became the bone of contention yet again in the tribal district of Tapi, when 18 people were injured in a clash reported between the tribals in Ozar village of Songadh taluka of Tapi district and the forest department officials on Tuesday. Police complaints have been lodged by both groups.
In the incident, 11 tribals and seven forest personnel suffered injuries following which they were admitted to Songadh referral hospital.
Sources said following a good spell of rain in the forest area, the tribals have started agricultural activities in the region. On Tuesday, few farmers from Ozar village went to the forest but were stopped from doing any farming activity by some junior forest personnel.
In their complaint, the tribals have told police that the forest officials attacked them and tried to stop their activity to which they had retaliated.
The tribals also claimed that the land belongs to them and that they have been farming on the land since ages. Their ancestors used to farm on the same land. On the other hand, forest officials claimed that the land had not been used for farming in the past. It is forest land on which farming is not allowed.
The issue of farming on forest land has been a bone of contention between tribals and forest department. The land which is used for farming only during one season monsoon remains unused during other period of the year. As the land remains unused for a long period, it creates confusion between the two sides.
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