Gujjars reiterate political reservation demand

Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 15: Prominent Gujjar leader and intellectual Shamsher Haqla Poonchi has expressed concern over delaying tactics adopted by the Government in granting political reservation to Gujjars.
Addressing a meeting of the Gujjar and Bakerwal community members here, today he said no political empowerment to this backward class of people is possible without grant of political reservation to the community who lives in far off and remote areas of the State.
He said grant of political reservation to Gujjars is must for their overall welfare. He expressed the hope that the Coalition Government will look into this long pending and genuine demand of the community.
He said the Gujjars and Bakerwals have made a lot of contribution in the unity and integrity of the country right from independence and stood like a rock against the forces who tried to disintegrate the nation. The meeting also discussed various other problems of nomadic Gujjars such as lack of basic facilities including schools and health services in their areas.