Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 15: The J&K Pahari Ethnic Group today demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Boniyar Sub-Division.
The demand was raised during a meeting held at the tehsil headquarters in connection with International Pahari Day.
Speakers alleged that the administration is arbitrarily excluding eligible individuals from ST reservation lists in different villages, calling it an act of political vendetta.
The gathering was attended by representatives of various political and social organizations.
Senior ethnic group member Mohd Aslam Dar accused some officers of “dividing people on the basis of caste,” terming it a grave injustice to the people of Boniyar.
Prominent PDP leader and Pahari community member Prof. Ghulam Mohiuddin urged all political leaders to unite in support of the demand.
“We all share a common cultural heritage, traditions, and way of life-our demand is legitimate and deserves full support,” he said.
Youth leader Irfan Ahmed Chak appealed to the public to remain united and be prepared for a peaceful struggle.
“We urge the administration and political leadership not to force us onto the streets. If needed, we will protest peacefully to secure our rights,” he warned.
Former BMO and senior ethnic group member Dr. Sheikh Farooq, along with Abdul Ahad Sheikh, also appealed to those opposing the ST demand not to divide the community along caste lines.
The group appealed to the J&K Government to issue a clarification on the issue and warned officials against creating hurdles in the reservation process, stating that any further provocation would lead to public agitation.
Locals alleged that in nearly every village, some eligible residents are being deliberately excluded from ST reservation, which they described as politically motivated and unjust.
They warned of launching a mass movement against both the local administration and those allegedly attempting to sabotage their demand.
They appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Social Welfare Minister to intervene immediately.
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