India, Nov. 27 -- LUCKNOW The UP forest department has formed a three-member committee to screen FIRs against at least 4,000 individuals from villages in Dudhwa National Park in Lakhimpur who were tagged as 'poachers' and faced serious charges under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Indian Forest Act.

These villagers belonging to the Tharu tribe included a significant number of elderly and physically challenged people, who claimed they were "unjustly" accused for opposing alleged "wrongdoings" by forest officials. The FIRs were also challenged.

"Based on the letter from the state government, police department and Palia MLA Harvinder Kumar Sahani, a three-member committee has been formed to study cases against these people," said H R...