J K News Today
Jammu , Oct 4:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the “ Paharis in J&K will get their long sought-after rights” while addressing a huge public rally in the border town of Rajouri amidst loud cheers from the audience which comprised a mix of Gujjars and Bakerwals .
He said that the Justice Sharma Commission has recommended reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals and the Pahari communities of J&K and all of them will get their lawful right of reservations.
Shah dispelled rumours that the declaration of reservations as STs for the Paharis would in any way undermine the reservations given to Gujjars and Bakarwals. He said that not even a single percent of the reservation enjoyed by Gukjjars and Bakwrwals in J&K would be deducted when Paharis too will get their rights.
Paharis had been asking for the Scheduled Tribe status for decades .
“This is a rumour being spread by some to create a wedge between the Gujjar/Bakarwal and Pahari communities. Reservations given to Paharis will not undermine the ST reservation of Gujjars and Bakarwals,” he said.
He commended the people of Rajouri and Poonch border districts by saying that whenever there was a threat to the country, these people stood like a wall against the enemy.
He said some politicians with vested interest had said there would be bloodbath in the Chenab Valley and Rajouri/Poonch districts if Article 370 was abrogated.
“The presence of such a large number of people, including men, women and children who waited for me for two hours in scorching heat is the answer to those who spoke of bloodbath if Article 370 was abrogated.
“Till August 5, 2019 when Article 370 was removed, three families had converted democracy into a fiefdom in J&K.
“There were no reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis because those three families kept everything for themselves and their few stooges.
“Modiji’s decision to abrogate 370 has opened way for reservations to the underprivileged communities of J&K like Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis.
