Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: The Scheduled Tribes–Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today demanded status of “Primitive Tribal Group” with a separate share under reserve ST category.
The demand has been projected in a memorandum, signed by all the dignitaries of community, which was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF).
The community, through memorandum pleaded that they should be fortified with more special rights and extra constitutional safeguards in the State.
This was disclosed in meeting chaired Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary, TRCF.
In his address, Dr Javaid Rahi informed that as per the law any ST group whose livelihood is based on primitive agriculture, forest, milk products–a low-value economy are entitled to get ‘Primitive Tribal Groups’ (PTGs) status with bifurcation of their share in reservation and development. So far eighty five tribal communities in India have been identified as PTGs from different States and in J&K no group fall in this category, he said.
The speakers on the occasion said through memorandum have pleaded that the Gujjars and Bakerwals who constitute 80 per cent of tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir deserve special attention and a fair deal from the Centre and State.
“As we the Gujjars-Bakerwals are fulfilling all requisite formalities, we may be categorized under ‘Primitive Tribal Groups’ of India on priority”, they added.
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