Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Alleging that discrimination against Jammu region has extended to cover backward classes, Chairman of JKNPP and former minister, Harsh Dev Singh said that Gaddies, Sippies, Kolies continued to be treated shabbily
“Despite tall assurances of constitution of a Development Board for Gaddies and Sippies on the analogy of ‘Gujjar Bakerwal Advisory Board’, the Govt has failed to initiate any action in respect thereof. While the Gaddies and Sippies very well form a part of tribal class and are included in ST category, they continue to be deprived of their right to have a Development-cum-Advisory Board on the pattern of other backward and marginalized classes,” he said while addressing a press conference in Jammu today.
Harsh Dev Singh said that the issues of these classes are being contemptuously disregarded as they inhabit various districts of Jammu region alone to the exclusion of Kashmir valley. He said that the grant of ST status to Kolis has been recommended by various Deputy Commissioners on the report sought by the state Govt but the much needed decision in respect of the said recommendations is still awaited. “Koli and Sippies belong to the same family having same culture, occupation, language, economic and social status and residing in hilly area having negligible land owner ship and are dependent upon rearing of animals. Whereas Sippies are included in ST category, the Koli’s were ignored inadvertently which needed to be rectified,” he explained and called for necessary modifications and corrections in the Revenue records so that errors and mistakes are rectified and justice ensured to Kolies.
Urging upon the Governor to take notice of the genuine grievance of the Koli community, Harsh Dev Singh also drew attention towards official communications of Deputy Commissioner Kathua vide letter no. DCK/LHS/2014-15/1271-75 dated 11.12.2014; Deputy Commissioner Udhampur vide office no. DDCU/CM-Sectt./ 2014-15/1062 dated 30.05.2014; Deputy Commissioner Doda vide office no. 1106/SQ dated 22.10.2014 and Deputy Commissioner Ramban vide office no. DCR/SQ/346-48 dated 29.06.2015 addressed to Com./Sec Social Welfare Deptt recommending the grant of ST status to Kolis.
Surinder Chouhan, District President (Jammu Rural) and Gurdeep Singh, Youth Secretary (Jammu Rural) were also present in the press conference.
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