Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today released a commemorative postage stamp to honour the contributions of Late Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, renowned Gujjar leader, social worker and writer.
In his address, the LG recalled the significant contribution of Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi in the socio-economic upliftment of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community of J&K, an official press release informed.
“Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi has played a vital role in the cause of national integration and dedicated his life to the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society. He always advocated for safeguarding the rights of Scheduled Tribes and led the movement demanding Tribe status to Gujjars Bakarwals,” the LG said.
The LG also talked about the campaigns of Wazir Mohammad to inspire the youth of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community to work towards nation-building and selflessly serve society.
“Following his footsteps, the members of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community have made their valuable contribution to the security and development of this great nation,” the LG added.
The LG reiterated the “resolve of the UT administration, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards empowering and safeguarding the rights of every section of the society, especially the tribal community.”
He called upon the members of the tribal community to help the administration in destroying the network of terror and drugs by providing correct information to the security agencies.
“Our Gujjar-Bakarwal community has always stood firm with the security forces against the enemies. We must identify and isolate those aiding and abetting the terror ecosystem,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Shamsher Rana Hakla Poonchi, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the LG-led UT administration for honouring the contribution of his father.
Justice Mohammad Akram Chowdhary, Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle; family members of Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, prominent personalities and members of the Gujjar Bakarwal community were present.
Tazeem Akhter, Chairperson, District Development Council Poonch; Ch. Mohammad Yasin, Deputy Commissioner Poonch and former legislators were also present on the occasion at Raj Bhawan.