J&K: Gujjars Threaten to Take to Streets if Pahari Reservation Bill Not Rejected by Govt

The All Classes Reserved Joint Action Committee (ARCJAC), an apex body representing the tribal communities, has issued a stern warning that it will stage street protests if a bill proposing Pahari reservation is introduced in the next session of Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of ARCJAC, advocate Anwar Chowdhury expressed his strong opposition to the bill, claiming that it is illegal and unconstitutional.

He claimed Baharis did not meet the criteria for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and asserted that the bill should not even be discussed but should be dropped entirely.

Another advocate, Mohammad Azam, has raised the issue of population dynamics, asserting that the Baharis have a larger population than the Gujjars.

He warned the government that if the bill is pursued, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will face defeat in every parliamentary seat in Jammu district.

Lawyer Muhammad Ayub Chowdhury has sent a strong message to the government, asserting that the Gujjars and Pakrawals, the third largest community in Jammu and Kashmir, will not allow their rights to be taken away and given to upper caste people.

He warned that they have the ability to influence the outcome of the elections in 60 seats in the House of Representatives and warned that controlling the situation will become difficult if people take to the streets.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in October last year that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in favor of the reservation of Bahari and the quota will be implemented in the near future.

“Judge Sharma recommended the scheduled status of the Pahari tribe. Prime Minister Modi would have implemented the recommendation.”

(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)