Early Times Report
MENDHAR, June 3: A meeting of Pahari Cultural and Welfare Forum was held recently at Rajnagar Budhal under the president ship of Basharat Rathar Block president Kotranka Budhal.
"Youth from Pahari community were the worst victims in the past as well as at present as they have no reservation. In order to provide them guaranteed future it is important to provide ST status for the Pahari community" M zaid sagar Vice president block Budhal. He added that Gujjars and Bakerwals sharing the same inhabitations, culture, customs, festivals etc with the Paharis. But they are enjoying the benefits of ST status for the last more than 25 years and since then Pahari are struggling for it.Pertinently, in 1989 State government had sent a list of 7 tribes, including Argone of Leh, Sheena Dard, Gaddi, Sippi, Balti, Gujjars and Bakerwals and Paharis (on number 1 in the list) to the then Union Government to grant ST status.
"Except Paharis all other communities were included in ST Status as some anti Pahari forces played a negative role and misguided the then leadership" said M zaid Sagar and added that since then Paharis have been struggling for their genuine rights. |
