![BJP general secretary and former MLC, Vibodh Gupta interacting with leaders of Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari Tribes during a programme at Bhatindi on Saturday. BJP general secretary and former MLC, Vibodh Gupta interacting with leaders of Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari Tribes during a programme at Bhatindi on Saturday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/page9-11-696x445.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: A Gujjar-Bakerwal-Pahari get-together titled “Sneh Milan” to welcome a series of decisions made by the Modi Government, which have empowered Gujjar-Bakerwal and Pahari Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir was held here at Bhatindi, today.
The programme was organised by Chowdhary Jamat Ali, a prominent Gujjar personality.
The gathering was attended by leaders and prominent citizens of these Tribes, including BJP J&K general secretary and former MLC, Vibodh Gupta.
During the event, Vibodh Gupta emphasised the enhanced unity, security, and empowerment of Gujjar-Bakerwal and Pahari Tribes under the Modi Government. He highlighted several decisions, such as political reservation for Gujjar-Bakerwals, lifting the ban on inter-district recruitments, and granting ST status to Paharis among others, which have spurred development and prosperity among Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vibodh expressed confidence that the youth of Gujjar-Bakerwal and Pahari Tribes will avail benefits of the Modi Government and will together script a glorious era for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Gujjar-Bakerwal and Paharis are the two eyes of Jammu and Kashmir, which are celebrating the historic decision of the Modi Government to provide ST status to Paharis while maintaining the Gujjar-Bakerwal ST quota intact. However, frustrated by the overwhelming support of these Tribes to BJP, leaders of NC, PDP and Congress are attempting to mislead our people for petty vote bank gains”, he added.
Sohail Malik also commended the Modi Government for its commitment to empowering marginalized sections of society, including Paharis, and fulfilling their legitimate demands. He believed that granting ST status to Paharis would pave the way for a brighter future for their youth.
Haroon Chowdhry congratulated the Pahari people and expressed optimism about the joint prosperity of both Tribes under the current administration. He asserted that the decision to grant ST status to Paharis would not affect the ST quota of Gujjar-Bakerwals, emphasizing the empowerment of Gujjar-Bakerwal Tribe in recent years, particularly politically and socially.
Prominent Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari people present on the occasion were Choudhary Mohd Sadiq, Mahmood Khan, Choudhary, Mohd Ramzan, Choudhary, Jamat Ali, Majid Choudhary, Mirza Sajad, Javed Khan, Arif Choudhary, Ghulam Ahmed Khwaja, Haji Akbar, Haji Sardar, Choudhary Shabir, Choudhary Manzoor, Sajad Katana and others.