Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: While celebrating completion of 23rd year of Schedule Tribe (ST) Status granted to Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes of Jammu and Kashmir by Government of India, the community leaders in a programme organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation – a premier organisation of tribes, today pleaded that their tribes should be fortified with more special rights and extra constitutional safeguards in the State.
The speakers urged the community to unite under one banner and start a crusade for recognition of their identity and ideology in the State and fight vigorously to get tribal rights.
Dr Javaid Rahi, secretary, Tribal Foundation said that Reservation granted to Gujjar-Bakerwal community in Jammu and Kashmir under Scheduled Tribe category 23 year back was not an aid or charity to them but it was their right. He impressed upon the community youth to chalk out a strategy to fight against poverty and illiteracy among Gujjars and Bakerwals and work for economic stability and food security for nomads.
The speakers pushed vigorously for bifurcation of their separate share of 8% out of total 10% reservation available to 12 ST groups with plea that Gujjars and Bakerwals are not as forward as to compete with other tribes and hence are still on margin in all fields like education, health and employment.
Meanwhile, a seven point resolution including grant of political reservation to Gujjar-Bakerwals in State Assembly, Council and Parliament, inclusion of Gojri in the eighth schedule of India, extension of Forest Right Act to J&K, rehabilitation of nomads, provision for education to nomadic Gujjar children, adequate representation to Tribal Officers in State administration and Police and bifurcation of 8% share of Gujjars/Bakerwals in ST, was adopted in one voice by the members of the community and it was decided that the same will be sent to Prime Minister of India and State Chief Minister shortly.
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