Gujjars and Bakarwals protest in Jammu and Kashmir

Sekar Chandra

Gujjars and Bakarwals protest in Jammu and Kashmir…


Protests by Gujjars and Bakarwals are gathering pace across J&K as the BJP-led central government is all set to introduce a bill in parliament to give reservation to Paharis, Gadda Brahmins, Kols and Valmikis under the Scheduled Tribe category.

Members of the Gujjars and Bakarwals, along with others, protested against the inclusion of upper caste Paharias in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list in srinagar on tuesday (July 25). The protesters are threatening to intensify the agitation and hit the streets with their cattle if the Center fails to withdraw the bill introduced in Parliament. He said, "Our struggle is to protect the rights of the people living not only in kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">jammu and kashmir, but across the country."

'Intent is to pit one community against another'

A protester said, "The BJP's move to include upper caste Pahari people is a serious provocation and anti-tribal and intended to pit one community against another." Gujjars and Bakarwals held a torchlight protest in Jammu city on sunday against the Centre's move to introduce three separate bills. These bills include the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) scheduled tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">jammu and kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Once the Bill is passed, it will pave the way for the inclusion of Pahari, Gadda Brahmins and Kolis in the st list in the Union Territory (UT). The Center also intends to include Valmikis in the list of Scheduled Castes. Tribals have accused the bjp of using st status to non-tribals as a tactic to divert attention from its failures and gain electoral advantage in the Chenab Valley, which has the largest hill and non-tribal Gadi population.

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