Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: Demanding empowerment of Gujjar and Bakerwals, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), has presented a memorandum to National Scheduled Tribe Commission (NSTC) alleging step motherly treatment by the Government.
Secretary of the TRCF Dr Javid Rahi said here today after meeting with the NSTC Chairman Dr Rameshwar Oraon and other members, demanded adaptation of a national model to develop ‘Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir’ on prototype of other States of India.
“We urged for strong recommendations from NSTC to State to protect our legitimate rights by empowering them socially, culturally, economically and politically”, Dr Rahi added.
He said that a fifteen-point memorandum was submitted to Dr Rameshwar on behalf of TRCF, which included extension of Forest (Tribal) Rights Act-2006 to J&K, opening of Tribal University in the State, providing political reservation under Schedule Tribes, rehabilitation of nomads and tribals on Government lands, providing food security for Nomads especially Gujjars and Bakerwals, due representation to Gujjar-Bakerwal officers in Civil and Police Administration, starting of a new Educational policy for Nomads, establishment of Milk Plants for Dhoodhi Gujjars and conducting of Special Census of Gujjars-Bakerwals in the State.
The delegation apprised the team that being a different identity, ideology and culture the Gujjars are demanding for a separate tribal council for them within the State on the patron of Leh and Kargil Hill Councils so that their tribal uniqueness could be protected and preserved.
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