JKPPM demands ST status for Paharis

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 31: Expressing apprehensions that the dejected and frustrated more than 2 lakh Pahari youths can undoubtedly be mis-led by the separatist forces as it has been during last 23 years, Jammu and Kashmir Pahari People Movement (JKPPM) today asserted the Government to grant ST status to Paharis without wasting more time.
In a press conference organized under the leadership of SA Mughal, chief organizer and spokesman, JKPPM, the leaders appealed the people of Pahari Community to be united to launch a united struggle under an Umbrella Organization of Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Cultural and Welfare Forum.
The leaders also appealed Pahari politicians to leave there political affiliation for the cause of the community.
They said that despite getting high percentage and being meritorious, Pahari students are suffering very badly in every field due to step motherly treatment.
In a joint press statement, State president, Pahari Student Union, Abdul Qadir Khan and chief executive, JKPPM, Shahbaz Khan, said that Paharis are striving for ST status for the last more than 30 years and any further delay in this frustrate youths of the community and can be misled or misused by anti social elements.