Lieutenant Governor interacts with 120-member delegation of Pahari Community at Raj Bhawan – Greater Kashmir
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently engaged in an interactive session with a delegation of 120 members from the Pahari Community at the Raj Bhawan. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor expressed the commitment of the Union Territory (UT) Administration to extend Scheduled Tribes reservation benefits to the Pahari, Padari, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin communities. He also emphasized the inclusion of these communities in the Tribal plan schemes.
The Pahari leaders, in turn, expressed their profound gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering the Pahari community while ensuring the interests of the Gujjar, Bakarwals, and other listed tribes. They emphasized that their goal is nation-building and that they view themselves as brothers.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister, commended the Central Government and the UT Administration for fulfilling the longstanding demands of the Pahari and other communities. This significant development has brought a sense of empowerment and freedom after decades of political and social subjugation, as stated by Pahari leader Rafiq Shah.
Vibodh Gupta, a senior leader, highlighted the collective efforts of the Gujjar, Bakarwal, and Pahari communities in their commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the Scheduled Tribes Community will play a crucial role in the overall progress of the Union Territory.
Dinesh Sharma also praised the government’s historic decision to grant scheduled tribe status to the Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin communities. He expressed that this step has effectively addressed developmental imbalances and strengthened the vision of inclusive growth and development for all.
Various other individuals, including Flail Singh, Raja Ajaz, Anjum, Pradeep Sharma, Iqbal Malik, and Murtaza Khan, expressed their gratitude to the UT Administration, acknowledging their role as a bridge between the Pahari community and the Government of India in ensuring justice for the community.
The Lieutenant Governor assured the delegation that their projected issues would be addressed diligently. He also encouraged the community elders to form a committee of prominent members to facilitate seamless coordination with government officials on matters concerning the community.
The interaction witnessed the presence of Safina Baig, Chairperson of District Development Council Baramulla, along with senior political leaders, former PRI members, retired government officials, community elders, and youth leaders.
This engagement signifies a new era of prosperity for the Pahari community and a promising future for the younger generation. It highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of diverse communities and fostering inclusive growth and development.
In conclusion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s interaction with the Pahari delegation at Raj Bhawan has evoked a sense of empowerment and gratitude within the Pahari community. The government’s commitment to extending Scheduled Tribes reservation benefits to various communities, as well as their emphasis on inclusive growth, sets the stage for a brighter future in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
