Srinagar: Prominent Pahari leaders gathered in Delhi today to express gratitude to BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh for facilitating a significant meeting, where they conveyed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Paharis.
The leaders lauded Prime Minister Modi for his “visionary initiative”, as the (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha.
This legislation aims to empower the Pahari ethnic group, Padari Tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin communities by bestowing upon them the coveted Scheduled Tribe status, thereby fulfilling a longstanding demand in Jammu and Kashmir.
Leaders present hailed this achievement as a watershed moment for the entire tribe, expressing utmost satisfaction with the BJP government for fulfilling this enduring demand.
Speaking to news agency representatives, Ehsan Mirza, a senior leader of the Pahari ST Tribe Forum, underscored the three-decade-long struggle and reiterated that previous governments failed to adequately address this demand. Mirza highlighted the BJP government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and welfare, stating that “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle.
Chugh underscored that these Bills will restore the rights of people belonging to the Pahari and other communities newly added to the SC and ST lists. He also highlighted the elevation of the status of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Chugh further urged political parties to refrain from politicizing the issue and instead focus on collective efforts for societal betterment.
