Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 3: The prominent Gujjar leader and intellectual of the State, Shamsher Hakla Poonchi while highlighting the plight of Gujjars and Bakerwals in the State said that even after 70 years of independence the areas inhabited by them are totally underdeveloped.
In his separate appeals to the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Hakla demanded that special funds be earmarked in the budget for the development of the far-flung and border areas inhibited by Gujjars and Bakerwals where there is no proper facility of roads, water supply, schooling and health care.
He said the Gujjars and Bakerwals have played a great role in strengthening the national unity and integrity and stood like a rock against the forces inimical to the national interests from time to time but it is unfortunate that they were even deprived of the full benefits under the ST status granted to them way back in 1991 by the then Union Government.
He said in view of the sufferings and problems of these hapless people, the Government should earmark special funds in the budget of 2018-2019 for the development of the Gujjar and Bakerwal community.
Follow our WhatsApp channel