Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 14: A new study on serogenetic markers carried out among the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars from Northwestern India by a group of scholars revealed that Hindu and Muslim Gujjars are racially and ethnically one, said Dr. Javaid Rahi Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) while addressing a programme organized by TRCF . The prgoramme was attended by a Hindu Gujjar group from Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.
Dr. Rahi quoting a recent study published in shape of book said that the Muslim Gujjars are significantly identical with the Hindu Gujjars of 11 other states of India. He said in a book by renowned scholars J C Sharma and R S Balqir titled ‘Genetic markers in the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars of Northwestern India’ published prior to the recent study also observed that a slight differentiation that has occurred among the Muslim Gujjars may be attributed to their geographical dispersal in diverse habitats.
He said , interestingly the study observed that genetic affinities of the Hindu – Muslim Gujjars with the Jats and Rajputs provide strong evidence for their common ethnic origin and probably their recent fissioning owing to biosocial practices and occupational patterns.
He said in order to discuss this study and other common issues of Gujjars of India -the Tribal Foundation will hold a common conference of Hindu and Muslim Gujjars in Jammu shortly.
The speakers from Hindu Gujjars Group stated the Gujjars from all over the India are on the back and support of J&K Gujjars in their ongoing struggle for inclusion of Gojri language in the eighth scheduled of Indian constitution and other Tribal rights.
They impressed upon all the organistion and institutions dedicated to the cause for Gujjars to work jointly for making the community socially, culturally and educationally vibrant and power full.
The speakers included Sajany Khatana, Suresh Chokar, Om Gujjar, R K Verma, Raman Dev Singh Gurjar, Kirshan Singh Banya and others.
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