Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, June 27: Gujjar leader, Shamsher Hakla Poonchi has said that need of hours in J&K is concrete steps for the welfare of Gujjar-Bakarwal tribes of J&K.
He said that Gujjar-Bakarwal people live in 20 districts of J&K mostly in hilly, far-flung and mountainous areas near forests and has population in lakhs.
“Most habitation areas of these communities lack roads, communication network, electricity, water supply schemes, medical facilities and educational facilities which in turn has pushed the Gujjar-Bakarwal tribes to hardships,” Poonchi claimed.
He demanded boarding schools in all districts of J&K on the pattern of Navodya Vidyalaya for student of Gujjar-Bakarwal communities.
His other demands included a tribal university in J&K for Gujjar-Bakarwal students and inclusion of Gojri language in 8th schedule of Indian constitution.
He also demanded some legislative assembly seats and Lok Sabha seats to be reserved for Gujjar-Bakarwal communities.