Himachal Minister warns against ignoring tribal land rights

EXTERNAL -ARUNACHAL

Shimla, April 19 -- A new political flashpoint is emerging in Himachal Pradesh as the debate over the allotment of mostly non-forest government land in the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti has intensified.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has flagged the issue to the Central government and Raj Bhavan, stating that the denial of land rights to tribal communities could pose serious national security concerns - drawing a direct link between neglected border settlements and territorial vulnerability.

Speaking to media persons on Friday, the revenue minister said, "The government of India must not ignore the rightful claims of our people on these ancestral lands, especially in border areas. Chinese forces are ...