Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 25: State level convention of Gujjars and Bakarwals was held under the banner of J&K Gujjar United Front (GUF), wherein communities were asked to launch a sustained struggle for their long overdue demands.
The convention was held under the leadership of Shah Mohammad Choudhary, who called upon all political parties in the State to give due priority to numerical position, historical legacy and contemporary concerns of Gujjars and Bakarwals in State.
The convention discussed the present political, economic and social scenario of Gujjars and identified some major areas for sustained struggle. The issues which assumed prominence for future course of action included; political reservation in SLA and other forums of democracy; implementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments of Indian Constitution in J&K; removing imbalances in recruitments and promotions to various State services; representation to communities in public Service Commission and SSRB; implementation of all decisions of Gujjar- Bakerwal Advisory Board; proper utilization of Central funds meant for development of the communities; revival and strengthening of mobile schools; introduction of departments of gojri in KU, JU and two Central Universities and opening of Tribal University.
The speakers asked for immediate special survey to find out economic condition and poverty level among the Gujjars and Bakerwals and devise special measures for the benefit of two communities. They also demanded special recruitment for Gujjars and Bakarwals in police.
The convention was attended by Gujjar Ministers, Legislators and leaders of other political parties and community activists and Panchs and Sarpanchs.