Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 21: Enraged over the casual approach of the PDP-BJP Coalition Government and their apathy towards Gojri and Pahari languages, Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary, Shahnawaz Choudhary today warned either include these languages in school curriculum or face agitation.
Addressed a press conference at PCC Headquarter here today, Shahnawaz who was flanked by senior party leader Masood Choudhary and Youth Congress leader Ajaz Choudhary, lambasted the State Govt over non- inclusion of Gojri and Pahari language in school curriculum.
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Shahnawaz said that Gujjars and Bakerwals community has third largest population and Gojri speaking people are nearly twenty lakh in Jammu and Kashmir and nearly four lakh non-Gujjars also speak this tribal language. The language is not only confined to Jammu and Kashmir but the tribal language has constituents spread in 12 other states of the country like Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Even in neighbouring Pakistan and Afghanistan, there is a huge population of Gojri speaking population. Like wise, Pahari language is also mother tongue of lakhs of people across the State and deserve to promote.
He lauded the initiative of the State Government for steps taken for the welfare of Regional languages but said that Gojri and Pahari languages are deprived of their genuine right. He said the nomads demand respectful treatment to their language as well.
Ch Shahnawaz while expressing his concern told that the nomads are spread across the State right from Lakhanpur to Poonch, and Uri to Ladakh, therefore the demand of inclusion of Gojri and Pahari in school curriculum upto Secondary level is absolutely sensible and justifiable. He strongly urged the State Govt to listen the genuine demand of inclusion of Gojri and Pahari in school curriculum. Appreciating the nationalistic approach and bravery of the Nomads, Shahnawaz Choudhary said, Gujjars and Pahari Peoples are our first defence at the Line of Control and International borders who are braving the enemy.
He said when Kashmiri, Dogri and Bodhi languages has been introduced in school curriculum and after that announcement made by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in 4th Higher Education Council meeting held at Srinagar on July 12. Sh also directed officers of Education and Higher Education Department to include Punjabi subject in schools and colleges as well, the ignorance of Gojjri & Pahari language to introduce in school curriculum up to 10th standard is the historic injustice with major languages of State, he added.
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