J&K paharis demand ST status

Srinagar, Jan 8 (UNI) Hundreds of 'paharis' of Jammu and Kashmir took out a protest march here today, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for them.

The protestors, under the banner of Pahari Cultural and Welfare Forum, gathered at the Press Enclave here and marched to Regal Chowk and other areas in Lal Chowk.

About 2000 'paharis' (people living in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir) also demonstrated in front of the office of the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama M A Kakroo.

They also submitted a memorandum to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad through the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama.

The 'paharis' alleged that their names do not exist on the District Development Commissioner's records and their community was not part of any development activity.

''Our areas are without electricity, drinking water and road communication. Schools are without adequate teaching staff and there are ill equipped health centres and dispensaries. Social welfare department too is not functioning. Schemes under rural and border development are not introduced in our areas.'' The memorandum said the Centre and the state government were testing the patience of 'paharis' despite several recommendations and repeated reminders.

''The Centre's selective approach has intensified the discontent among paharis as five other communities -- Gujjars, Bakarwal, Gaddi, Bazigar and Sanyasi -- have already been granted the ST status.'' The 'paharis' demanded that till they were granted the ST status, the state government should implement SRO 294 in letter and spirit.

UNI