Gujjar and Bakerwal oppose ST status to 'Paharis' in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 20 (UNI) Taking exception to the Jammu and Kashmir governments decision to grant ST status to 'Pahari speaking people' of the state, the joint forum of Gujjar and Bakerwals today threatened with agitation if the government went ahead with the implmentation.

Urging the Gujjar and Bakerwals of the state to foil the one-day general strike call given by Pahari speaking people tomorrow on the issue of granting ST status to them, the forum said they will take to the streets if their demand was not met.

The forum alleged that some people and parties, with vested interests, were trying to dilute the tribal character of various communities.

Haji Shamasher Ali Boken, state president of the Gujjar and Bakerwal organisation, alleged that some people were trying to get the tribal status in the name of Pahari Language.

Vice president of the organisation Choudhary Din Mohammad Cheichi said the term ''Pahari speaking people'' has been defined neither by the state nor the Centre.

''Pahari as a class or caste does not appear anywhere in the revenue records of of Jammu and Kashmir'', he said.

General Secretary Choudhary Syed Mohammad said Paharis were neither defined as a weaker section, and nor they approached any commission for their inclusion in the ST category.

He said ST status could not be granted to anyone merely on a linguistic basis.

UNI