Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Youth Committee of PoJK DPs of 1947, has demanded ST status on the pattern of Pahadi people for the displaced people from Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference the members of the Committee said that PoJK DPs are ethically Pahadis, who are now living in Jammu district since their displacement from Poonch district at the time of partition.
They said the conference attended by senior members, Sarpanches, retired persons, social activists of the community aimed at drawing the attention of the administration to ethnic identity crises faced by the community after the grant of ST-2 status to Pahadi ethnic group by the Government of India.
In a strong and united appeal to the Central Government, representatives of the PoJK community emphasized the urgent need for constitutional recognition and justice that has been denied to them for decades. All the speakers presented their views /valid point and documents which are required for the inclusion in ST as they have the identity marker of Pahari ethnicity.
They said the people have lived in exile for over 75 years, yet they are waiting for full rehabilitation and equal rights. Granting ST status will not only be a recognition of our suffering but will also help us access educational, economic, and employment opportunities that are currently out of reach.
The PoJK DPS community cited similar demographic and cultural profiles with other groups who have been granted ST status, underscoring the constitutional grounds for their demand. They have called upon the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take immediate action and ensure justice is delivered without further delay.
The community also plans to intensify its movement in the coming weeks through peaceful protests, social media campaigns, and outreach to lawmakers across party lines.
Those present in the conference said that they are residents of Badyal Brahmana, Bhour Camp, Simbal Camp, Brij Nagar, Railway Patri, Rohi Moth, Jassore, Purana Pind, Mokhe etc.
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