Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 5: Pahari community has expressed concern over alleged sidelining of Muzzaffar Hussain Baig, one of the most reputed Lawyers and founder member of ruling PDP.
The concern was expressed during a convention of different organizations, belonging to Pahari community. Speakers alleged that the PDP was intentionally sidelining Mr Baig from all the party affairs as well as Central ministerial berth.
General secretary Pahari Forum and chief executive JKPPM, said that in the last Assembly election, Pahari community had voted in favor of PDP candidates on the direction of Muzaffar Baig and Raja Aijaz Ali but the party was now adopting indifferent attitude towards the community. “This is disappointing and resulting into resentment among Paharies, who want due representation to the community leaders of PDP from Poonch, Rajouri Uri, Kernah Barramulla and other Pahari areas,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, S A Mughal and G N Khan said that Government, must grant ST status to Pahari community without any further delay. They also appealed Pahari community of the State to join their head and hand to fight against discrimination with community.
Advocate R S Mehtas, spokesman JKPPM, Advocate Ab Qadar Khan State Co-Coordinator Pahari Legal Cell, appealed the people of Pahari community to be united to launch a struggle under an umbrella organization of Jammu Kashmir Pahari Cultural and Welfare Forum. They also appealed all the Pahari politicians to leave there political affiliation for the cause of the community and get the ST Status for the community. Shahbaz Khan lamented that despite J&K High Court’s recommendation for implementation of the Cabinet Decision No:159/ of/1989/ Dated08/08/1989, some elements were opposing the same. He alleged that some frustrated Gujjar leaders were unnecessarily opposing their just genuine demand. “These nefarious designs people are bent to exploit this genuine cause and create negative and bitter feelings between the two communities”, he said.
Others, who spoke on the occasion, included Naseeb Singh, Tilak Raj, Jagdish Chander, Rashpal Singh, Vikrant Sharma, Mohd Tariq, Amir Mir, Qazi Zaffar, Rajive Sharma and Bupinder Singh.
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