Excelsior Correspondent
BANI, June 30: Thakur Sabha here today has reiterated its demand for Pahari Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Bani region like what was granted to Rajouri-Poonch districts.
The demand was raised during a meeting in village Amnota of Panchayat Chandal which was attended by community leaders and a large gathering of Thakur community members.
The meeting was chaired by Thakur Sabha Bani president, Darshan Manhas and prominent among others present there were Sushil Kumar, former Sarpanch Gatti; Roshan Manhas, former Sarpanch Panchayat Chandal; Bindra Ban, former Sarpanch Panchayat Sitti and Jaswant Singh, former Naib Sarpanch Bani.
These leaders highlighted socio-economic challenges being faced by Bani region and demanded ST status to ensure equitable development.
“Like Rajouri-Poonch, Bani is also remote and Pahari area which deserves ST status,” Darshan Manhas said.
He urged the government to address the demand before the upcoming Assembly elections.
“If our plea is ignored then Thakur Sabha Bani will decide its future course of action in next meeting,” Manhas maintained adding: “Recognition Bani as Pahari ST area is crucial for addressing long-standing issues and promoting welfare of its residents.”
He sought government’s prompt and positive response in this regard.
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