SHOPIAN: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Shopian today organised an awareness camp under the banner of NALSA titled ‘Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights Scheme, 2015' in a tribal dominated village, Devpora.

The programme was chaired by Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman DLSA) Shopian, Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary.

Mudasar Farooq (Secretary, DLSA) Shopian; M Waseem Mirza (Munsif/JMIC); Chaudhary Ab Hamid, (DDC member); Showkat Hussain Ganie,(DIO); Imtiyaz Ahmad,(Dy.SP); SHO,Chief LADC Shopian, LADCs, advocates, Court Staff, DLSA Staff, PLVs, Civil Society members & general public in large numbers were present at the event.

Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary, Chairman DLSA highlighted the Legal Rights framework in the district including the role of LADCs and PLVs in defending the rights of downtrodden and poor sections of the society.

"Today's inaugural event under Tribal Rights Scheme, 2015 is an endeavour to empower the tribal communities to approach the courts for claiming free legal services," said Chairman to the locals.

He appreciated the local tribal community for attending the camp in large numbers and expressed hope that more and more people shall take the benefits under the scheme for their empowerment and upliftment.

Legal experts including LADCs spoke on rights guaranteed to the Scheduled Tribes and forest dwelling communities under the scheme.

Mudasar Farooq, Secretary DLSA enumerated the free legal services available for the poor and downtrodden communities including tribal populace and called upon people to be proactive in voicing their needs and fighting for their rights. "You are free to approach the Legal Services Authority, Shopian in case of delay in availing public welfare and development scheme from any department for resolution," said Secretary DLSA.

Waseem Mirza, Munsif/JMIC talked about the lack of awareness among the tribal communities about their rights, and highlighted the process of Forest Rights claims and free legal aid available. He asked them to approach the DLSA and its field staff of PLVs for availing legal services.

The locals of the area voiced various grievances afflicting the local tribal community regarding pending forest rights endowments under the Forest Rights Act, Legal Aid Clinic, etc.