Excelsior Correspondent
![Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha leader addressing a public meeting at Poonch.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/page7-copy-300x168.jpg)
POONCH, May 24: Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha has urged upon the tribal communities, particularly Gujjars and Bakerwals of the State to get united and gear up for the upcoming Parliamentary and Assembly elections of 2014 to press upon the political parties for their genuine and constitutional rights.
Addressing a public rally at Bainch in border district Poonch today, Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha president Eshfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal appealed Gujjars and Bakerwals to be aware of their rights and don’t’ fall prey to the political parties which have so far used them for their petty politics and vote bank. He held the successive State Governments responsible for the plight of tribals of the State.
“Gujjars and Bakerwals residing in far flung areas of the State are being deprived of basic amenities including power, water and road connectivity,” he alleged and gave example of the Bainch area.
Mr Poswal stressed that political reservation to Gujjar-Bakerwal was the only way out towards the solution of the issues of the community. “If Gujjars can get political reservation in other States then why not in J&K,” he asked and alleged that funds sanctioned under Tribal Sub Plan for the welfare of tribals of the State were also being mis-utilized.
The Gujjar Mahasabha leader said that election 2014 will be an opportunity for the tribals to get their issues resolved once and for all.