Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Gujjar leader Shamsher-ul Haqla Poonchi today demanded that some places in the State be named after the Gujjar patriots who played a yeoman’s role during Pakistan tribal attacks in 1947, 1965, 1971 wars and in fighting over two decade long proxy war in the State since 1989. Besides a special Gujjar Regiment be raised in Indian Army to counter militancy in the State.
Talking to reporters here, today, Mr Haqla said that it was due to the role of these Gujjar leaders that members of Gujjar community worked shoulder to shoulder with Indian Army during 1947 tribal attack as well as in 1965 and 1971 wars to repulse the Pak attackers.
He said two prominent Gujjar leaders Late Chaudhary Abdul Ghani of Mendhar and Late Ch Wazir Mohammad Hakla of Poonch helped Indian Army in the hours of crisis and they played a heroic role in defending country. The Gujjars were killed by Pakistani army for helping Indian Army and Pakistan announced award to those who would bring the head of Chaudhary Abdul Gani of Mendhar and Ch Wazir Mohammed Haqla of border village of Bandichechian Poonch during the Indo -Pak war of 1965.
Besides the other prominent Gujjar leaders including Chaudhary Altaf Din Numberdar of Bandi Checheyan, Chaudhary Nazam Din Chaneja, Chaudhary Shams Din of Noona Bandi Poonch , Chaudhary Abdul Latif Bakerwal and Chaudhary Ghulam Din of Dalan Poonch played a heroic role and they were awarded Ashok Chakra by Government of India.
Maintaining that Gujjars are patriots by core, Haqla said they have also played a great role in countering the proxy war sponsored by Pakistan since 1989 and crushing the militancy in the State at the risk of their lives. Many patriotic Gujjars attained martyrdom but they did not give in and stood like a rock against the terrorists for national cause and revolted against the gun culture.
Mr Haqla while justifying that the Gujjars and Bakerwals be given their due place in the society also appealed them to come forward in taking on militants to bring peace and harmony in the State.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel