J-K Gujjars ask govt to formulate tribal policy

Jammu, Feb 20 (PTI) The schedule tribe Gujjar communityof Jammu and Kashmir today demanded that the state governmentshould formulate a comprehensive tribal policy on the lines ofa similar framework at the national level.

In a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, TribalResearch and Cultural Foundation -- an organisation of Gujjars-- said tribals in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a number ofhardships and issues like dispossession of land, violence,poverty and loss of identity.

"We through a letter pleaded for a comprehensive andvisionary policy for tribals which can restore the confidenceamong these communities," its secretary Javaid Rahi said.

The letter said due to non-existence of a tribal policyfor protection and development of STs in a holistic manner,the tribes, especially Gujjars and Bakerwals which constitutemore then 80 per cent of tribal population of the state, arelagging behind in every field of life.