Coalition exploiting Gujjar, Paharis for vested interests: Farooq

Jammu, May 22 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and patron National Conference Farooq Abdullah today said both Gujjars and Paharis were being exploited by some vested interests, playing vote bank politics for petty gains.

''Gujjar and Pahari communities should unite for overall development of the state and to expose the elements responsible for creating a wedge between them,'' Dr Abdullah said at a public meeting at Surankote in Poonch district.

''Coalition partners are exploiting Paharis and Gujjars in the name of Scheduled Tribe Status and Reservation but after five-and-a -half year of the government, the two communities have realised that the ruling alliance was simply exploiting them,'' he said adding, ''time has come to give a befitting reply to such divisive forces.'' UNI VBH SB DB2059