Srinagar, Feb 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that the government was committed to the empowerment of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
Interacting with the 160-member delegation of the Pahari community from the Kashmir division at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, the LG said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed to the empowerment of tribal communities. It is a new era of progress, prosperity, stability, and hope for the tribal population of J&K.”
On the occasion, the community members from different parts of Kashmir division thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inclusion of Paharis, Padaris, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins in the list of Scheduled Tribes in J&K.
“It is a historic moment for the Pahari population of J&K. The inclusion of the Pahari community in the Scheduled Tribes list is the reflection of the PM Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Paharis were neglected for decades, but now in the next 10 years, we will see a considerable change in our lives,” former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Raja Aijaz Ali said.
Abdul Majid Zindadil said that under the leadership of PM Modi, Paharis have got freedom in a real sense after struggling for more than 70 years.
“Our voice was suppressed for decades, but due to sincere efforts of the LG, we have been given our due representation,” Bashir Ahmad Khan from Anantnag said.
Prominent Pahari leaders from different walks of life, community elders, and youth of the community were present during the interaction.