‘Paharis’ seek ST status

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: Pahari people from Poonch, Rajouri and other parts of  the State including Uri, Kupwara, Karnah, Mahore, Gulabgarh, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Dudu-Basantgarh etc have demanded  ST status for the Pahari speaking people.
In this connection, protest demonstrations were also held at Poonch, Mendhar, Surankote, Rajouri and other parts on Tuesday for drawing attention of the Government towards their long pending demand. In Poonch, the  protest demonstration was held under the leadership of Lokesh Kumar, district president of Pahari Forum. He pointed out that Sageer Commission led by retired Justice and interlocutors appointed by Union Government on J&K issues, had also suggested for implementation of  the report on ST status for Paharis.  The Government of India must take an early decision on the issue.  Several previous Governments have already claimed to provide ST status to Paharis but its implementation is yet awaited, he maintained.