Shabir Dar
Jammu, May 28: When the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would inaugurate the state-of-art Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH) here Saturday, movement for improving the condition of tribal community of the State will be born.
The centre, built by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT), a voluntary non-political organisation, has mandated itself to work for the upliftment of Gujjars and other underprivileged classes of the State.
The purpose of establishing GCCH was to deal effectively with backwardness and socio-economic deprivation of the Gujjar community.
The centre is mandated to formulate programmes and policies and creating a wave of awareness among the members of the community to become active agents of their own socio-economic reformation.
“By the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the condition of Muslims improved considerably. It was a movement toward educational, economic and political awakening of Muslims. Likewise, the establishment of Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage is a movement to improve socio, economic and political conditions of Gujjars,” Masud Ahmad Chaudhary, Chairman of GDCT told Rising Kashmir.
Chaudhary said the Gurjar Centre was state-of-art structure, which houses facilities like Researchers Retrieve, Art, Culture and Language centre, workshop, auditorium, conference hall, publishing hall, gallery, museum and Begum Akbar Jehan Foundation and Research Library.
“The traditional dress, culture and even language of Gujjars is on decline. Even the social condition of Gujiars is not good. So I am sure that the centre will have a very positive impact on the society. It is empowerment of Jammu and Kashmir Muslims,” Chaudhary, who is also the vice-chairman of Baba Ghulam Shah Badsha University, Rajouri said.
Not only members of Gujjar community, even the head of the state have expressed hope that the centre would help preserve culture and heritage of the tribal community.
“I wish and pray that the complex becomes a centre of activities aimed at preservation and showcasing of rich culture of the Gujjar community,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah writes in his message to the tribal community. The CM’s message is published in the broacher to be released by Sonia Gandhi on Saturday.
It took almost two decades for the GDCT to complete the work on Gurjar Centre for Culture and Heritage (GCCH), the work for which started in 1991.
Two former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Ghulam Nabi Azad had provided enough financial help from the State resources to the centre in its present form.
Besides, GDCT has received financial help from the Government of India and other Gujjar bodies of India.
“By establishing GCCH we have added beauty to Jammu city and also registered our identity,” Chaudhary said.
The Gujjar members say their community, which lives in extreme poverty, has been exploited by successive regimes in Jammu and Kashmir.
To substantiate their argument, the Gujjar community members quote the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru as saying in 1940: “Gujjars have continually been exploited and have lived in extreme poverty.”
“I don’t think there is much improvement in the situation of Gujjars since then,” said Chaudhary.
Now the coming of Sonia Gandhi to Jammu for inaugurating the GCCH is being viewed as a new beginning of relationship between the Gandhi family and the Gujjar and Bakerwal community of the State.
The Gujjar community members are optimistic that after a long gap of over 25 years, a member of the Gandhi family will revive the relationship between the two which will have a forereaching impact on the movement of Gujjars, who are struggling hard since 1947 for their recognition as a vibrant and powerful ethno-political tribal identity.
“Former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Ghandi were great advocates and sympathisers of Gujjars of J&K but after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the links were snapped. Now the visit of Sonia Gandhi will see a new saga of revival of age old relations between a community that always sacrificed a lot for upholding the unity and integrity of the State,” said a Gujjar community leader.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sonia Gandhi to visit Jammu-Kashmir May 29
Congress President Sonia Gandhi will visit Jammu and Kashmir on May 29, a party spokesperson said in Jammu on Sunday.
She will visit the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, the spokesperson said.
Gandhi will inaugurate a tribal cultural centre in Jammu and address a function organised by the Gujjar community. Her family has been closely associated with the Gujjar community.
The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi's mother-in-law, used to visit the Gujjar community once a year.
After spending time in Jammu in the morning, she will visit Srinagar to lay the foundation stone of a colony for Dal lake dwellers.
About 11,000 Dal lake dwellers are being rehabilitated to the outskirts of Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who also holds portfolios of housing and urban development, said that Dal has been cleaned up to a large extent and efforts are underway to restore it to its original glory.
The Dal dwellers, he said, will be given a good place to live and the government will construct a residential colony for them.
"That would further help us in cleaning the waters of Dal, which is part of our heritage," Tara Chand said.
She will visit the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, the spokesperson said.
Gandhi will inaugurate a tribal cultural centre in Jammu and address a function organised by the Gujjar community. Her family has been closely associated with the Gujjar community.
The late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi's mother-in-law, used to visit the Gujjar community once a year.
After spending time in Jammu in the morning, she will visit Srinagar to lay the foundation stone of a colony for Dal lake dwellers.
About 11,000 Dal lake dwellers are being rehabilitated to the outskirts of Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who also holds portfolios of housing and urban development, said that Dal has been cleaned up to a large extent and efforts are underway to restore it to its original glory.
The Dal dwellers, he said, will be given a good place to live and the government will construct a residential colony for them.
"That would further help us in cleaning the waters of Dal, which is part of our heritage," Tara Chand said.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Gujjars accuse MP of trying to grab their land
STAFF WRITER 21:36 HRS IST
Kathua (J&K), May 17 (PTI) Gujjars today held a demonstration here in protest against the alleged threat by an MP to grab their land located near his farm house in Rajbagh area of the district.
About fifty members of the Gujjar tribe assembled at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park here this aftertnoon and raised slogans against Lal Singh.
They alleged that Singh had been forcing them to sell eight acres of their land near his farm house in Rajbagh.
They also met the Additional Deputy Commissioner who assured them that their complaint would be looked into.
Kathua (J&K), May 17 (PTI) Gujjars today held a demonstration here in protest against the alleged threat by an MP to grab their land located near his farm house in Rajbagh area of the district.
About fifty members of the Gujjar tribe assembled at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park here this aftertnoon and raised slogans against Lal Singh.
They alleged that Singh had been forcing them to sell eight acres of their land near his farm house in Rajbagh.
They also met the Additional Deputy Commissioner who assured them that their complaint would be looked into.
Gujjars-Bakerwals of J & K demand special census
STAFF WRITER 16:47 HRS IST
Srinagar, May 16 (PTI) Apprehensive of being left out of the ongoing census operations, Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today demanded a special census for the nomadic community currently under seasonal migration to northwestern Himalayas.
In a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh written on behalf of the community by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, said, "A special census of the nomadic and shelterless Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir is all the more necessary as the community is presently under seasonal migration along with their livestock to upper reaches of northwestern Himalayas."
Giving details of the letter, Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Foundation said, "We demanded a special census of the nomadic community with a population of around 6 to 8 Lakh who are presently migrating through seven major routs towards the upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Shavalik and Trikuta Hills of the Himalayas.
Srinagar, May 16 (PTI) Apprehensive of being left out of the ongoing census operations, Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today demanded a special census for the nomadic community currently under seasonal migration to northwestern Himalayas.
In a letter to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh written on behalf of the community by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, said, "A special census of the nomadic and shelterless Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir is all the more necessary as the community is presently under seasonal migration along with their livestock to upper reaches of northwestern Himalayas."
Giving details of the letter, Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Foundation said, "We demanded a special census of the nomadic community with a population of around 6 to 8 Lakh who are presently migrating through seven major routs towards the upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Shavalik and Trikuta Hills of the Himalayas.
TRCF demands for special census of Gujjars and Bakerwals of J&K
Srinagar, May 16 (Scoop News) - Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation(TRCF) –a frontal body of Gujjars of state stressed vigorously upon centre and state to jointly launch an exclusive programme to conduct a special census of lakhs of nomadic and shelter-less Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir who are presently under seasonal migration along-with their livestock to upper reaches of Northwestern Himalaya.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh sent through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation(TRCF) the community members demanded a correct enumeration of their tribe under “Shelter less category” in the course house listing commenced from yesterday.
Giving details about the letter, Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Foundation said that we demanded a special census of around 6 to 8 Lakh nomadic and shelter less Gujjars and Bakerwals who are presently under migration through seven major routs towards upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Shavalik and Trikuta Hills of Himalaya. He said Registrar General of India (RGI ) should hold exclusive mapping to list the movement of nomads in Himalayan region of J&K and provide a new column in registration forms of census by introducing "Nomadic Category" or “Shelter less category” which will help the enumerators to accommodate a big chunk of tribal population during the process, who are otherwise feared to be left out of the census 2011.
The letter reads that Registrar General of India (RGI) should make it possible for nomadic communities of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in this census going to held after the gap of ten year.
The letter further reads, in 2000, the census report left us un enumerated , and Lakhs nomadic Gujjars who were on upper reaches at that point of time, in connection with annual migration ,had not been enumerated and reflected in the census report 2001 but this year we request Prime Ministers office to intervene and direct RGI to re-schedule the dates of census in Jammu and Kashmir or to hold a special servey of nomads. The letter further said as the houselisting and housing Census and canvassing of household schedule of National Population Register (NPR) is under way and would be completed in June 2010 and during this period a big chunk of Gujjars will be in upper reaches so a spcieal and exclusive programme of holding census should be formulated at the earliest.
Dr. Rahi asked community member who are settled or belonging to agriculture class to co-operate with census officials and get themselves enumerated as ST community with Gojri as their mother tongue.
As per official notification issued by Registrar General of India (RGI) the first phase of Census 2011 would formally commence from 15 May to 30 June 2010 in accessible areas and from 16 July to 30 August 2010 in other areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Census department is all set for census 2011 which is aimed at providing latest population figures and comprehensive picture of social and living conditions of the people of the State.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh sent through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation(TRCF) the community members demanded a correct enumeration of their tribe under “Shelter less category” in the course house listing commenced from yesterday.
Giving details about the letter, Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Foundation said that we demanded a special census of around 6 to 8 Lakh nomadic and shelter less Gujjars and Bakerwals who are presently under migration through seven major routs towards upper reaches of Pir Panchal, Shavalik and Trikuta Hills of Himalaya. He said Registrar General of India (RGI ) should hold exclusive mapping to list the movement of nomads in Himalayan region of J&K and provide a new column in registration forms of census by introducing "Nomadic Category" or “Shelter less category” which will help the enumerators to accommodate a big chunk of tribal population during the process, who are otherwise feared to be left out of the census 2011.
The letter reads that Registrar General of India (RGI) should make it possible for nomadic communities of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in this census going to held after the gap of ten year.
The letter further reads, in 2000, the census report left us un enumerated , and Lakhs nomadic Gujjars who were on upper reaches at that point of time, in connection with annual migration ,had not been enumerated and reflected in the census report 2001 but this year we request Prime Ministers office to intervene and direct RGI to re-schedule the dates of census in Jammu and Kashmir or to hold a special servey of nomads. The letter further said as the houselisting and housing Census and canvassing of household schedule of National Population Register (NPR) is under way and would be completed in June 2010 and during this period a big chunk of Gujjars will be in upper reaches so a spcieal and exclusive programme of holding census should be formulated at the earliest.
Dr. Rahi asked community member who are settled or belonging to agriculture class to co-operate with census officials and get themselves enumerated as ST community with Gojri as their mother tongue.
As per official notification issued by Registrar General of India (RGI) the first phase of Census 2011 would formally commence from 15 May to 30 June 2010 in accessible areas and from 16 July to 30 August 2010 in other areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The Census department is all set for census 2011 which is aimed at providing latest population figures and comprehensive picture of social and living conditions of the people of the State.
Gujjar-Pahari Rift: Rahul Not Visiting J&K
Srinagar, May 13: AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is not visiting Jammu and Kashmir on May 17, Pradesh Congress Committee president Prof Saifuddin Soz said.
Reacting to reports that Mr Gandhi will attend the Pahari conference at Rajouri in Jammu region, Prof Soz said no such confirmation has been received so far.
Without naming anyone, he said that it was wrong on the part of some organisations in Jammu to claim that Mr Gandhi was going to visit Rajouri to address Pahari conference.
Prof Soz said that merely issuing a letter of invitation to Mr Gandhi does not mean that he has accepted it.
Mr Gandhi has not yet fixed any date for his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
However, he said, he will attend the conference on May 27.
Meanwhile, the Gujjars in the state have urged Mr Gandhi to stay away from the Pahari conference.
They alleged that this event will have a serious implication on tribal, ethnic and linguishtic make up of the state.
In a letter, which was released to press here, signed by community dignitaries sent through Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum, a frontal tribal organisation , the community suggested Mr Gandhi to stay away from the extremely contentious conference.
They alleged that the conference would press the government to declare Pahari speaking people as Schedule Tribe which will dilute the Tribal status of nomadic communities including Gujjars.
The letter said the community will oppose any such move with full force to enter a ''linguistic group'' into ''Tribal amalgam''.
The forum also faxed the copies of the letter to Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi submitting that some people are trying to get the ''Scheduled Tribal status '' in the name of a language called western Pahari so that they may secure certain benefits which have been given to the ''Tribal and Nomadic'' people only.
The seven-point letter has listed the reasons why Pahari Speaking people do not deserve Scheduled Tribe status
Reacting to reports that Mr Gandhi will attend the Pahari conference at Rajouri in Jammu region, Prof Soz said no such confirmation has been received so far.
Without naming anyone, he said that it was wrong on the part of some organisations in Jammu to claim that Mr Gandhi was going to visit Rajouri to address Pahari conference.
Prof Soz said that merely issuing a letter of invitation to Mr Gandhi does not mean that he has accepted it.
Mr Gandhi has not yet fixed any date for his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
However, he said, he will attend the conference on May 27.
Meanwhile, the Gujjars in the state have urged Mr Gandhi to stay away from the Pahari conference.
They alleged that this event will have a serious implication on tribal, ethnic and linguishtic make up of the state.
In a letter, which was released to press here, signed by community dignitaries sent through Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum, a frontal tribal organisation , the community suggested Mr Gandhi to stay away from the extremely contentious conference.
They alleged that the conference would press the government to declare Pahari speaking people as Schedule Tribe which will dilute the Tribal status of nomadic communities including Gujjars.
The letter said the community will oppose any such move with full force to enter a ''linguistic group'' into ''Tribal amalgam''.
The forum also faxed the copies of the letter to Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi submitting that some people are trying to get the ''Scheduled Tribal status '' in the name of a language called western Pahari so that they may secure certain benefits which have been given to the ''Tribal and Nomadic'' people only.
The seven-point letter has listed the reasons why Pahari Speaking people do not deserve Scheduled Tribe status
Gujjar faction sets June 13 deadline
SIKANDRA: Leadership struggle within the Gujjar community took a turn — only time will tell whether it's for better or worse — when thousands of them poured in for yet another ‘mahapanchayat' here on Thursday.
The meet announced a fresh date — June 13 — for choking all the highways in the state if the state government did not yield by June 1 to their demand of 5% reservation in the 80,000 government jobs announced recently. Also featuring now on their charter is a request by the state to the Centre to create a ‘Gujjar regiment' in the defence.
While serving the ultimatum before a gathering of about 3,000 Gujjars, former Delhi legislator Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, however, did not let any opportunity go by to take pot-shots at Bainsla. "He had warned me that he would not let me enter Rajasthan, but here I am. And I am sure he has sent his people to create nuisance here," he alleged.
Bidhuri was referring to an unrest in a section of the crowd at the venue after which some people had to be removed. "We also want all cases on our people to be taken back, those in jail to be freed and at least Rs 10,000 pension for those injured in our agitations," he said.
However, the coup bid by this section of the leadership, who were on the fringe so far, over Kirori Singh Bainsla, who spearheaded the belligerent community's agitation to its logical end, is not without initial hiccups. Bidhuri's coronation, if at all, as the next Gujjar leader in the state was not all smooth.
The assembly in its initial stages was totally disrupted after a certain ‘committee' decided to keep people from Dausa off from addressing the crowd. "A decision has been taken by the committee that no one from Dausa will be allowed to address the crowd," the compere had barely finished the words, his microphone was snatched by local leader Umrao Singh Dhoi. "We will stage the agitation, we will face the bullets. But who is this committee to disallow us from addressing the crowd," he shouted over the mike.
That was enough to stir a hornet's nest as hundreds of people walked up to the dais and disrupted proceedings completely. The organisers then had to take back their words and allow those from Dausa to take hold of the show. Some from the Bainsla camp also took the opportunity to show their ire at having ‘dethroned' him.
What also emerged from the mahapanchayat was that while leaders like Bidhuri, former BJP ministers Prahlad Gunjal, Kalulal Gujjar, Nathu Singh Gujjar, former minister from Haryana Kartar Singh Bhadana and many other former MLAs and MPs might take the front line but it is the people from the community who have now decided to keep them upfront.
"It is for umpteen times that we have towed our leaders only to be cheated at the end. This time, there may be a committee of 10 to 12 people to represent us but we will lead ourselves," said former MLA from Nagar Gopi Chand.
The meet announced a fresh date — June 13 — for choking all the highways in the state if the state government did not yield by June 1 to their demand of 5% reservation in the 80,000 government jobs announced recently. Also featuring now on their charter is a request by the state to the Centre to create a ‘Gujjar regiment' in the defence.
While serving the ultimatum before a gathering of about 3,000 Gujjars, former Delhi legislator Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, however, did not let any opportunity go by to take pot-shots at Bainsla. "He had warned me that he would not let me enter Rajasthan, but here I am. And I am sure he has sent his people to create nuisance here," he alleged.
Bidhuri was referring to an unrest in a section of the crowd at the venue after which some people had to be removed. "We also want all cases on our people to be taken back, those in jail to be freed and at least Rs 10,000 pension for those injured in our agitations," he said.
However, the coup bid by this section of the leadership, who were on the fringe so far, over Kirori Singh Bainsla, who spearheaded the belligerent community's agitation to its logical end, is not without initial hiccups. Bidhuri's coronation, if at all, as the next Gujjar leader in the state was not all smooth.
The assembly in its initial stages was totally disrupted after a certain ‘committee' decided to keep people from Dausa off from addressing the crowd. "A decision has been taken by the committee that no one from Dausa will be allowed to address the crowd," the compere had barely finished the words, his microphone was snatched by local leader Umrao Singh Dhoi. "We will stage the agitation, we will face the bullets. But who is this committee to disallow us from addressing the crowd," he shouted over the mike.
That was enough to stir a hornet's nest as hundreds of people walked up to the dais and disrupted proceedings completely. The organisers then had to take back their words and allow those from Dausa to take hold of the show. Some from the Bainsla camp also took the opportunity to show their ire at having ‘dethroned' him.
What also emerged from the mahapanchayat was that while leaders like Bidhuri, former BJP ministers Prahlad Gunjal, Kalulal Gujjar, Nathu Singh Gujjar, former minister from Haryana Kartar Singh Bhadana and many other former MLAs and MPs might take the front line but it is the people from the community who have now decided to keep them upfront.
"It is for umpteen times that we have towed our leaders only to be cheated at the end. This time, there may be a committee of 10 to 12 people to represent us but we will lead ourselves," said former MLA from Nagar Gopi Chand.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Rahul's visit to J&K: Paharis welcome him, Gujjars unhappy
CONGRESS NATIONAL general secretary Rahul Gandhi is likely to attend a day-long conference of Pahari speaking people on May 17 in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The invitation has been extended by the Pahari Speaking Forum. He is also expected to visit some remote villages of border areas in Jammu region besides addressing a public rally in connection with the ongoing 125th foundation day celebrations.
However, re-acting sharply over the report, the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir –a major Scheduled Tribe group, appealed Gandhi to avoid such controversial events which will have a serious implication on tribal, ethnic and linguistic make up of the State.
In a letter signed by community dignitaries sent through Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum, of a frontal tribal organisation , the community suggested Gandhi to stay away from the extremely contentious conference aimed at to press the government to declare Pahari speaking people as Schedule Tribe, which will dilute the Tribal status of nomadic communities including Gujjars and the community will oppose any such move with full force to enter a “linguistic group” into “Tribal amalgam”.
The forum also faxed the copies of the letter to the Congress President and UPA Chairperson ,Mrs Sonia Gandhi submitting that some people are trying to get the “Scheduled Tribal status “ on the name of a language called western Pahari so that they may secure certain benefits which have been given to the “Tribal and Nomadic” people only, and congress should avaiod in indulged in any such controversy.
The 7-point letter has listed the reasons why Pahari Speaking people not deserves for Scheduled Tribe status.
Regarding Pahari speaking people's claim to ST status, the forum argued that the term; " Pahari or for that matter, Pahari speaking people" has never been defined either by the J&K Government or the Union Government. Such class of people has neither been defined in any works of history, anthropology or census nor even mentioned in revenue records.
Paharis were neither defined as a weaker section and nor they approached before the Gajendragadkar Commission, the Sikri Commission, the Wazir Commission (1969), the Anand Commission (1976) and the Mandal Commission which covered the entire country.
All these commissions, from time to time, identified the Other Bakward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Areas and none of them recognized any group as Pahari or Pahari speaking people as weaker section of the society.
The memorandum said, Pahari being the affluent ruling upper class do not suffer from the social stigma.
The demand of the Pahari speaking people is merely based on the premises of language while the dialect or the language is not any criteria to declare any class as Scheduled Tribe. Each of the languages have sister dialect and by that way Pahari is invariably spoken across the state by the people of all communities and origins. Even the Pahari language has no dialect.
Paharis are neither tribal nor nomadic in character and they are not socially, economically and educationally backward, the letter said.
The letter said, Minister for Tribal Affairs in the NDA Government had out rightly rejected such a demand on the floor of the House in the Rajya Sabha in 2002. To an question of National Conference MP Mirza Abdul Rashid during the autumn session of the Rajya Sabha in 2002 the Minister for Tribal Affairs had said that such a proposal is not under the consideration of the Government of India as the "Pahari speaking people" is not any identified group eligible for inclusion into Scheduled Tribes.
It was also mentioned in the letter that Paharis are already enjoying reservation under three different categories i.e. RBA, ALC and OBC in different areas.
The letter said said Paharis are not recognised class under SRO 394 of 1981 of State Government, it was pointed out. The demand of Pahari speaking people is merely based on the premises of language while the dialect or the language is not any criteria to declare any class as ST.
The invitation has been extended by the Pahari Speaking Forum. He is also expected to visit some remote villages of border areas in Jammu region besides addressing a public rally in connection with the ongoing 125th foundation day celebrations.
However, re-acting sharply over the report, the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir –a major Scheduled Tribe group, appealed Gandhi to avoid such controversial events which will have a serious implication on tribal, ethnic and linguistic make up of the State.
In a letter signed by community dignitaries sent through Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum, of a frontal tribal organisation , the community suggested Gandhi to stay away from the extremely contentious conference aimed at to press the government to declare Pahari speaking people as Schedule Tribe, which will dilute the Tribal status of nomadic communities including Gujjars and the community will oppose any such move with full force to enter a “linguistic group” into “Tribal amalgam”.
The forum also faxed the copies of the letter to the Congress President and UPA Chairperson ,Mrs Sonia Gandhi submitting that some people are trying to get the “Scheduled Tribal status “ on the name of a language called western Pahari so that they may secure certain benefits which have been given to the “Tribal and Nomadic” people only, and congress should avaiod in indulged in any such controversy.
The 7-point letter has listed the reasons why Pahari Speaking people not deserves for Scheduled Tribe status.
Regarding Pahari speaking people's claim to ST status, the forum argued that the term; " Pahari or for that matter, Pahari speaking people" has never been defined either by the J&K Government or the Union Government. Such class of people has neither been defined in any works of history, anthropology or census nor even mentioned in revenue records.
Paharis were neither defined as a weaker section and nor they approached before the Gajendragadkar Commission, the Sikri Commission, the Wazir Commission (1969), the Anand Commission (1976) and the Mandal Commission which covered the entire country.
All these commissions, from time to time, identified the Other Bakward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Areas and none of them recognized any group as Pahari or Pahari speaking people as weaker section of the society.
The memorandum said, Pahari being the affluent ruling upper class do not suffer from the social stigma.
The demand of the Pahari speaking people is merely based on the premises of language while the dialect or the language is not any criteria to declare any class as Scheduled Tribe. Each of the languages have sister dialect and by that way Pahari is invariably spoken across the state by the people of all communities and origins. Even the Pahari language has no dialect.
Paharis are neither tribal nor nomadic in character and they are not socially, economically and educationally backward, the letter said.
The letter said, Minister for Tribal Affairs in the NDA Government had out rightly rejected such a demand on the floor of the House in the Rajya Sabha in 2002. To an question of National Conference MP Mirza Abdul Rashid during the autumn session of the Rajya Sabha in 2002 the Minister for Tribal Affairs had said that such a proposal is not under the consideration of the Government of India as the "Pahari speaking people" is not any identified group eligible for inclusion into Scheduled Tribes.
It was also mentioned in the letter that Paharis are already enjoying reservation under three different categories i.e. RBA, ALC and OBC in different areas.
The letter said said Paharis are not recognised class under SRO 394 of 1981 of State Government, it was pointed out. The demand of Pahari speaking people is merely based on the premises of language while the dialect or the language is not any criteria to declare any class as ST.
Unhappy Gujjars want nothing less than 5% quota
A faction of the Gujjars on Monday said it would launch a fresh agitation against the one per cent additional quota offered to the community by the government, saying it was not ready to settle for anything less than the 5 per cent separate reservation.
All India Gujjar Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti would hold a ‘Mahapanchayat’ at Sikandra town of Dausa district on May 13 to decide on the agitation, its chief patron Ramvir Singh Bidhuri told a press conference here.
Strongly condemning the agreement arrived between the state government and Gujjar leader Kirorisingh Bainsla on granting one per cent additional quota, he alleged that Bainsla settled for the accord only for his “personal gains”.
“Gehlot-Bainsla accord on one per cent quota within 50 per cent limit is unconstitutional,” Bidhuri said.
“Bainsla, who got political mileage by getting Lok Sabha ticket from BJP and important postings for his relatives now ended the Gujjar agitation for ensuring a Rajya Sabha seat for his daughter in the June 17 elections,” Bidhuri alleged.
Besides Gujjars, people of Rebari, Gardia Lohar and Banjara communities would also participate in Mahapanchayat to draw the attention of the government, he said.
“Gujjars’ sole demand would be 5 per cent separate quota for the community, release of Gujjar prisoners booked for previous agitations, pensions to bereaved families of 72 ‘martyrs’ of the community who fell to police bullets and withdrawal of cases,” Bidhuri insisted.
The community had called off its month-long stir on May 5 after the government agreed to accord one per cent more quota to it in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting four per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more quota till the High Court completes formalities on their demand for five per cent reservation under the Special Backward Class category.
The decision to call off agitation had met with stiff resistance on the same day
All India Gujjar Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti would hold a ‘Mahapanchayat’ at Sikandra town of Dausa district on May 13 to decide on the agitation, its chief patron Ramvir Singh Bidhuri told a press conference here.
Strongly condemning the agreement arrived between the state government and Gujjar leader Kirorisingh Bainsla on granting one per cent additional quota, he alleged that Bainsla settled for the accord only for his “personal gains”.
“Gehlot-Bainsla accord on one per cent quota within 50 per cent limit is unconstitutional,” Bidhuri said.
“Bainsla, who got political mileage by getting Lok Sabha ticket from BJP and important postings for his relatives now ended the Gujjar agitation for ensuring a Rajya Sabha seat for his daughter in the June 17 elections,” Bidhuri alleged.
Besides Gujjars, people of Rebari, Gardia Lohar and Banjara communities would also participate in Mahapanchayat to draw the attention of the government, he said.
“Gujjars’ sole demand would be 5 per cent separate quota for the community, release of Gujjar prisoners booked for previous agitations, pensions to bereaved families of 72 ‘martyrs’ of the community who fell to police bullets and withdrawal of cases,” Bidhuri insisted.
The community had called off its month-long stir on May 5 after the government agreed to accord one per cent more quota to it in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting four per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more quota till the High Court completes formalities on their demand for five per cent reservation under the Special Backward Class category.
The decision to call off agitation had met with stiff resistance on the same day
Saturday, May 8, 2010
‘Happy’ Gujjars felicitate Gehlot over quota stand
JAIPUR: Upbeat over his stand on the Gujjar quota issue, chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday was felicitated by a group of Gujjars at his Civil Lines residence in Jaipur.
Gehlot postponed his Mumbai visit by a day where he was going to unveil Rajasthan House as he preferred celebrating his success with the Gujjars, who seem to be pacified after years of agitation and bloodshed. Gehlot offered a daal-baati feast to the visiting Gujjars and assured the government's commitment to ensure quota for the community. The state cabinet had on Thursday approved the 1% immediate quota for Gujjars and 4% notional quota for them.
However, all is not well as a section of Gujjars is still on the warpath and are still continuing with their stir. They claim that the quota given by the state was not acceptable and they want 5% full-fledged quota.
According to Man Singh Gujjar, "The way the Gujjar stir ended was not what we had wanted. We wanted it to end with a mahapanchayat at Sikandra. But that was not to be and Kirori Singh Bainsla did a hurried job. We do not accept his decision."
On Friday, about 200 villages called for a mahapanchayat at Sikandra and a proposal was passed wherein the mahapadav refused to acknowledge Bainsla as their leader and decided to continue with the agitation. The proposal was brought in by Gopichand Gujjar and was passed by a show of hands.
However, Man Singh Gujjar added that since the agitation was fast taking a violent turn, even those leaders who were with the Sikandra agitation are fast disassociating themselves from it.
"There is no point just holding a mahapadav in Sikandra alone. Soon the administration would come and drive them away resulting in casualties," he said.
“We were against Bainlsa decision but are for a peaceful agitation and have decided to call a national mahapanchyat at Sikandra on May 13. Till then, we wanted to lift the road blockade as it is inconveniencing commuters and business establishments in the area. However, there are some anti-social elements who are continuing with it and we, the leaders, who were with them initially have now disassociated ouselves from it," he added.
Singh said that after the mahapanchayat on May 13 they will intimate chief minister Ashok Gehlot of their decision and would wait to see how the government keep its stance for the community at the High court in the next hearing.
“After that what happens will be decided in the May 13 mahapanchayat," he said.
Gehlot postponed his Mumbai visit by a day where he was going to unveil Rajasthan House as he preferred celebrating his success with the Gujjars, who seem to be pacified after years of agitation and bloodshed. Gehlot offered a daal-baati feast to the visiting Gujjars and assured the government's commitment to ensure quota for the community. The state cabinet had on Thursday approved the 1% immediate quota for Gujjars and 4% notional quota for them.
However, all is not well as a section of Gujjars is still on the warpath and are still continuing with their stir. They claim that the quota given by the state was not acceptable and they want 5% full-fledged quota.
According to Man Singh Gujjar, "The way the Gujjar stir ended was not what we had wanted. We wanted it to end with a mahapanchayat at Sikandra. But that was not to be and Kirori Singh Bainsla did a hurried job. We do not accept his decision."
On Friday, about 200 villages called for a mahapanchayat at Sikandra and a proposal was passed wherein the mahapadav refused to acknowledge Bainsla as their leader and decided to continue with the agitation. The proposal was brought in by Gopichand Gujjar and was passed by a show of hands.
However, Man Singh Gujjar added that since the agitation was fast taking a violent turn, even those leaders who were with the Sikandra agitation are fast disassociating themselves from it.
"There is no point just holding a mahapadav in Sikandra alone. Soon the administration would come and drive them away resulting in casualties," he said.
“We were against Bainlsa decision but are for a peaceful agitation and have decided to call a national mahapanchyat at Sikandra on May 13. Till then, we wanted to lift the road blockade as it is inconveniencing commuters and business establishments in the area. However, there are some anti-social elements who are continuing with it and we, the leaders, who were with them initially have now disassociated ouselves from it," he added.
Singh said that after the mahapanchayat on May 13 they will intimate chief minister Ashok Gehlot of their decision and would wait to see how the government keep its stance for the community at the High court in the next hearing.
“After that what happens will be decided in the May 13 mahapanchayat," he said.
Rajasthan accords additional one pc quota to Gujjars
STAFF WRITER 20:33 HRS IST
Jaipur, May 6 (PTI) The Rajasthan government today approved one per cent additional quota for Gujjars and three other communities in addition to the existing reservation given to them under the OBC category.
The reservation in government jobs to the four communities -- Gujjars, Rebari, Gardia Lohar and Banjara -- is applicable with immediate effect.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot told reporters the state was maintaining quota at 49 per cent and the legal limit is 50 per cent.
This one per cent would be an additional for these four communities which are already privileged in 21 per cent quota under the Other Backward Class/community (OBC), Gehlot said.
He said the state cabinet also agreed in-principle to provide 5 per cent quota to Special OBC, which included four of these communities including Gujjars which demanded it in its month-long agitation.
Jaipur, May 6 (PTI) The Rajasthan government today approved one per cent additional quota for Gujjars and three other communities in addition to the existing reservation given to them under the OBC category.
The reservation in government jobs to the four communities -- Gujjars, Rebari, Gardia Lohar and Banjara -- is applicable with immediate effect.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot told reporters the state was maintaining quota at 49 per cent and the legal limit is 50 per cent.
This one per cent would be an additional for these four communities which are already privileged in 21 per cent quota under the Other Backward Class/community (OBC), Gehlot said.
He said the state cabinet also agreed in-principle to provide 5 per cent quota to Special OBC, which included four of these communities including Gujjars which demanded it in its month-long agitation.
Gujjar community faction flays Govt-Bainsla agreement
Jaipur, May 6 (PTI) Flaying the quota agreement arrived between the Ashok Gehlot government and Kirorisingh Bainsla, who spearhead the Gujjar agitation, a leader of the community today said the pact would not favour the community.
Addressing Gujjar community people at Sikandra in Dausa district where the protesters have been holding a 'sit in' (mahapadav), Rajendra Singh Vidhuri, national convenor of All India Gujjar Agitation Committee said hundreds of people were waiting for Bainsla's return from Jaipur, and Colonel Bainsla misled them by not going there.
Upset with the decision, hundreds of Vidhuri supporters also "gherao" Sikandra police station and indulged in damaging vehicles and mand driven carts, police said.
Rajasthan Yuva Gujjar Mahasabha's executive president Mansingh Burja criticised Bainsla's step and said the community would not accept it.
Addressing Gujjar community people at Sikandra in Dausa district where the protesters have been holding a 'sit in' (mahapadav), Rajendra Singh Vidhuri, national convenor of All India Gujjar Agitation Committee said hundreds of people were waiting for Bainsla's return from Jaipur, and Colonel Bainsla misled them by not going there.
Upset with the decision, hundreds of Vidhuri supporters also "gherao" Sikandra police station and indulged in damaging vehicles and mand driven carts, police said.
Rajasthan Yuva Gujjar Mahasabha's executive president Mansingh Burja criticised Bainsla's step and said the community would not accept it.
Gujjars call off agitation
STAFF WRITER 21:5 HRS IST
Jaipur, May 5 (PTI) The over fortnight long stir by Gujjars led by Kirori Singh Bainsla was called off today with the state government agreeing to accord one per cent more quota to the community in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
The announcement to call off the stir was made by Bainsla at Madanpur in Bayana Bharatpur district after a three-hour meeting with the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the ministerial committee, a close aide of the Gujjar leader said.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting four per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more of quota till the High Court formalities regarding their demand for five per cent reservation under the Special Backward Class were completed, Bainsla's close aide Roop Singh said.
Jaipur, May 5 (PTI) The over fortnight long stir by Gujjars led by Kirori Singh Bainsla was called off today with the state government agreeing to accord one per cent more quota to the community in addition to the existing four per cent given to them under the OBC category.
The announcement to call off the stir was made by Bainsla at Madanpur in Bayana Bharatpur district after a three-hour meeting with the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the ministerial committee, a close aide of the Gujjar leader said.
As per the agreement, since the community is already getting four per cent reservation under the OBC category, they would get one per cent more of quota till the High Court formalities regarding their demand for five per cent reservation under the Special Backward Class were completed, Bainsla's close aide Roop Singh said.
Gujjars pacified, stir called off
JAIPUR: After keeping the state on tenterhooks for several days, the agitating Gujjars on Wednesday accepted a formula proposed by the state government to meet their demand for 5% reservation in the state. The agitation was called off in the evening by Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, leader of Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti.
The ‘magic formula’ to end the impasse emerged after a one-to-one meeting between chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Col Bainsla in the morning at the former’s residence.
“The government has conceded to our demand. They have given us in writing that the government would fight for our cause in the court and try to get us reservation within two months,” said Roop Singh, spokesperson of Samiti.
“Till then, we will continue to enjoy benefits under the OBC category in recruitments and get an additional 1% reservation under special backward classes. This 1% reservation is what is left in the state for 50% limit. Currently, the reservation in the state stands at 49%,” he said. “After the issue is settled in the court, the government will arrange us 4% reservation in a constitutional way,” Singh said.
Speaking to reporters, energy minister Jitendra Singh, who belongs to Gujjar community, said: “There will be dual benefits for Gujjars in future recruitments. Those wanting to apply as OBC can do so as they will be counted in this category. Additionally, the government has given them 1% reservation under SBC category. Those wanting to apply for government jobs under SBC will directly get the benefit of 1% reservation. The rest will continue in the court. If needed, we will fall back on the Maharashtra pattern once the issue is settled in the court.”
Himmat Singh, a close aide of Bainsla said: “In case the court rejects the government’s plea for special reservation for us then the government has assured of an alternative route of adopting the Maharashtra pattern and get us reservation outside the 50% limit.”
Bainsla, who agreed to the terms during a three-hour meeting with the chief minister, later left for the mahapadav (mass gathering) at Madanpur in Dausa district. He discussed the draft given by Gehlot with other leaders of the community and soon called off the agitation
The ‘magic formula’ to end the impasse emerged after a one-to-one meeting between chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Col Bainsla in the morning at the former’s residence.
“The government has conceded to our demand. They have given us in writing that the government would fight for our cause in the court and try to get us reservation within two months,” said Roop Singh, spokesperson of Samiti.
“Till then, we will continue to enjoy benefits under the OBC category in recruitments and get an additional 1% reservation under special backward classes. This 1% reservation is what is left in the state for 50% limit. Currently, the reservation in the state stands at 49%,” he said. “After the issue is settled in the court, the government will arrange us 4% reservation in a constitutional way,” Singh said.
Speaking to reporters, energy minister Jitendra Singh, who belongs to Gujjar community, said: “There will be dual benefits for Gujjars in future recruitments. Those wanting to apply as OBC can do so as they will be counted in this category. Additionally, the government has given them 1% reservation under SBC category. Those wanting to apply for government jobs under SBC will directly get the benefit of 1% reservation. The rest will continue in the court. If needed, we will fall back on the Maharashtra pattern once the issue is settled in the court.”
Himmat Singh, a close aide of Bainsla said: “In case the court rejects the government’s plea for special reservation for us then the government has assured of an alternative route of adopting the Maharashtra pattern and get us reservation outside the 50% limit.”
Bainsla, who agreed to the terms during a three-hour meeting with the chief minister, later left for the mahapadav (mass gathering) at Madanpur in Dausa district. He discussed the draft given by Gehlot with other leaders of the community and soon called off the agitation
Bainsla asks communitymen to prepare for today's stir
JAIPUR: Having cut short his Jaisalmer trip, chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday held meetings in his office for resolving the issue regarding the special reservation for the Gujjars. But no breakthrough was reached.
Gehlot's action followed threats by Gujjar leader Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla of beginning a violent agitation if the promise for the 5% reservation for the community was not forthcoming by Tuesday afternoon.
Bainsla addressed a meeting at Madanpur on Tuesday evening and asked his community men to be prepared for Wednesday's agitation. He said, "I had suggested two formulas to the government and I hope that they (government) would accept any one of them to meet our demand. My aim is not to disrupt peace but justice for the community." he said.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has deputed energy minister Jitendra Singh, home minister Shanti Dhariwal and industry minister Rajendra Parikh for conducting talks with the Gujjars so as to resolve the issue. The state had also sent an invitation to the community but there was no response from the other side.
"In fact, Bainsla had made it clear at the mahapadav in Mehrawar on Sunday that we would no longer be holding talks with the government. This has become an easy way by them to hold us back. Whenever, we give a threat they come up with the issue of talks but nothing emerges from such talks," said Roop Singh, spokesperson of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangarsh Samiti.
"If the government wants to talk, they will have to send their emissary. We will not budge from here," he said. Sources in the government, however, said it is interested in talks and has even asked the ministers to go to the agitation site and hold discussions with Gujjars.
Meanwhile, the mahapadav being so long held at Mehrawar has now shifted to Madanpur. "Since there has been no talks or any indication of our demands, for a 5 % reservation or holding back recruitment in government jobs, being accepted by the government. Therefore, our deadline still stands," said Himmat Singh, a close aide of Bainsla.
On his part, Bainsla has intimated state BJP president Arun Chautrvedi of his intentions to resign from the party for the cause the community.
The mahapadav at Dausa and at Sikandra on Monday saw more people gathering at the site. The Sikandra market remained completely paralysed and road transport on the Sikandra highway has completely been disrupted.
The government in view of the threat has posted RAS officials with the district collectorate at Dausa for helping him out with the law and order situation there. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot also held a meeting with the DGP to take stock of the law and order situation in the
Gehlot's action followed threats by Gujjar leader Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla of beginning a violent agitation if the promise for the 5% reservation for the community was not forthcoming by Tuesday afternoon.
Bainsla addressed a meeting at Madanpur on Tuesday evening and asked his community men to be prepared for Wednesday's agitation. He said, "I had suggested two formulas to the government and I hope that they (government) would accept any one of them to meet our demand. My aim is not to disrupt peace but justice for the community." he said.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has deputed energy minister Jitendra Singh, home minister Shanti Dhariwal and industry minister Rajendra Parikh for conducting talks with the Gujjars so as to resolve the issue. The state had also sent an invitation to the community but there was no response from the other side.
"In fact, Bainsla had made it clear at the mahapadav in Mehrawar on Sunday that we would no longer be holding talks with the government. This has become an easy way by them to hold us back. Whenever, we give a threat they come up with the issue of talks but nothing emerges from such talks," said Roop Singh, spokesperson of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangarsh Samiti.
"If the government wants to talk, they will have to send their emissary. We will not budge from here," he said. Sources in the government, however, said it is interested in talks and has even asked the ministers to go to the agitation site and hold discussions with Gujjars.
Meanwhile, the mahapadav being so long held at Mehrawar has now shifted to Madanpur. "Since there has been no talks or any indication of our demands, for a 5 % reservation or holding back recruitment in government jobs, being accepted by the government. Therefore, our deadline still stands," said Himmat Singh, a close aide of Bainsla.
On his part, Bainsla has intimated state BJP president Arun Chautrvedi of his intentions to resign from the party for the cause the community.
The mahapadav at Dausa and at Sikandra on Monday saw more people gathering at the site. The Sikandra market remained completely paralysed and road transport on the Sikandra highway has completely been disrupted.
The government in view of the threat has posted RAS officials with the district collectorate at Dausa for helping him out with the law and order situation there. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot also held a meeting with the DGP to take stock of the law and order situation in the
Bainsla to Intensify Stir if Demands Not Met by Tuesday
Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla today threatened to intensify the ongoing agitation by the community if the state government failed to meet their demand for 5% reservation in state jobs by tomorrow.
The one-day ultimatum was issued at the community's Mahapanchayat at Mehrawar village in Bharatpur district where Bainsla said the stir will gather further momentum throughout the state from May 5 if the Gujjars' demand for quota was not fulfilled.
"We have already given a lot of time to the state government which doesn't seems to be serious about solving the issue by according reservation to the community. We will wait till tomorrow. If government does not take concrete step in this direction, we will not stop and intensify the agitation throughout the state," he said.
He also directed his colleagues in different states to mobilize maximum support of the people for the agitation.
"Thousands of Gujjars attended the Mahapanchayat. They are taking rest at the same village and will leave for a nearby Madanpur village tomorrow morning," Bainsla said.
He also announced that he had decided to quit BJP in the interest of the community as the authenticity of his leadership was being questioned by the state government.
"Chief Minister was repeatedly alleging that I was misguiding my community people and doing the stir for mere political mileage and benefits. So I decided to quit the party. Now I am feeling very light and relaxed after announcing this," Bainsla told PTI over phone.
Another leader Harprasad threatened that the agitation may now take an ugly and violent turn and the state government would be solely responsible for this.
Gujjars are demanding five per cent reservation in jobs under Special Backward Class which includes Gujjar, Banjara, Raika, Rebari and Gadia Lohar communities.
Bainsla along with his supporters has held several rounds of meeting with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and State Energy Minister Jitendra Singh and State Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal in recent past to solve the issue, but the talks were inconclusive.
The state government had last month constituted the I S Israni Committee as directed by the Rajasthan High Court to look into the demand.
The committee after hearing all the sides submitted its report earlier today to the High Court in which it has recommended granting quota and special backward class status to the community.
The High Court had last year struck down the five per cent reservation for the community observing that the measure would exceed the 50 per cent reservation cap.
"Now I am not associated with any party but still I am on the front for my community. I challenge the CM that we will get reservation any how," Bainsla said.
Another Gujjar leader Harprasad said Bainsla was the leader of the community and not of any party. Bainsla joined the BJP to raise the community's demand in Parliament but due to some reasons it did not work out, he said.
However, BJP State President Arun Chaturvedi said he has not received any information on Bainsla quitting the party.
Bainsla joined BJP in April last year and was inducted as BJP's National Executive Member in March this year.
The one-day ultimatum was issued at the community's Mahapanchayat at Mehrawar village in Bharatpur district where Bainsla said the stir will gather further momentum throughout the state from May 5 if the Gujjars' demand for quota was not fulfilled.
"We have already given a lot of time to the state government which doesn't seems to be serious about solving the issue by according reservation to the community. We will wait till tomorrow. If government does not take concrete step in this direction, we will not stop and intensify the agitation throughout the state," he said.
He also directed his colleagues in different states to mobilize maximum support of the people for the agitation.
"Thousands of Gujjars attended the Mahapanchayat. They are taking rest at the same village and will leave for a nearby Madanpur village tomorrow morning," Bainsla said.
He also announced that he had decided to quit BJP in the interest of the community as the authenticity of his leadership was being questioned by the state government.
"Chief Minister was repeatedly alleging that I was misguiding my community people and doing the stir for mere political mileage and benefits. So I decided to quit the party. Now I am feeling very light and relaxed after announcing this," Bainsla told PTI over phone.
Another leader Harprasad threatened that the agitation may now take an ugly and violent turn and the state government would be solely responsible for this.
Gujjars are demanding five per cent reservation in jobs under Special Backward Class which includes Gujjar, Banjara, Raika, Rebari and Gadia Lohar communities.
Bainsla along with his supporters has held several rounds of meeting with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and State Energy Minister Jitendra Singh and State Home Minister Shanti Dhariwal in recent past to solve the issue, but the talks were inconclusive.
The state government had last month constituted the I S Israni Committee as directed by the Rajasthan High Court to look into the demand.
The committee after hearing all the sides submitted its report earlier today to the High Court in which it has recommended granting quota and special backward class status to the community.
The High Court had last year struck down the five per cent reservation for the community observing that the measure would exceed the 50 per cent reservation cap.
"Now I am not associated with any party but still I am on the front for my community. I challenge the CM that we will get reservation any how," Bainsla said.
Another Gujjar leader Harprasad said Bainsla was the leader of the community and not of any party. Bainsla joined the BJP to raise the community's demand in Parliament but due to some reasons it did not work out, he said.
However, BJP State President Arun Chaturvedi said he has not received any information on Bainsla quitting the party.
Bainsla joined BJP in April last year and was inducted as BJP's National Executive Member in March this year.
Armed goons loot Bakerwals’ cattle
Ministers, Police ignored our plea: Victims
Baba Umar
Srinagar, May 03: Dozens of nomadic Bakerwals of Kathua district on Tuesday alleged physical assaults and livestock looting by “pro-Hindutva” activists in Udhampur when the shepherds were in Majalta area of the district along with their cattle.
A delegation of community members told Rising Kashmir that around 300 pro-Hindutva activists in Udhampur led by Ramesh Sharma of Doma, Raju of Majalta and Laabu of Udhampur raided their caravan with tridents and swords besides looting livestock worth Rs 80 lakh.
“At this time of year we move towards upper pastures but when we reached Majalta, the trio came with almost 300 men and looted our belongings,” Muhammad Sadiq, one of the delegation members said.
He said the attack took place in the afternoon of April 7 and despite repeated attempts, officials didn’t help.
Another member, Muhammad Riyaz said the Hindu mob also fired many bullets “to threaten us of consequences if we didn’t leave the area quickly.”
“They attacked our children and women too. We ran away leaving our belongings there,” said Muhammad Azim, who was beaten up by the mob said.
Muslim Bakerwals’ migration from Jammu begins in February and the community reaches Udhampur by the end of the month when Gujjars of Udhampur too start upward migration.
The migratory route is almost parallel to Jammu-Srinagar highway, but up to Ramban the community adopts a shorter route avoiding traffic hazards on the highway.
From Ramban to Banihal, they take the highway route but they make every effort to avoid the busy road. After crossing the Jawahar tunnel they disperse and proceed towards the sub-alpine and alpine pastures which they have been using for a long time.
After this attack, Bakerwals said they are frightened, so much, that many of the community members are thinking to give up the migration practice.
“Now it has become quite dangerous to continue with our age-old migration,” a Bakerwal woman said.
Azim said the community members, immediately after attack and plunder on their livestock, visited police officials, Gujjar leader and Forest and Environment Minister Mian Altaf “but no one helped us.”
“Mian Altaf gave us three minutes to explain our story. He promised us action but nothing happened,” the community members said adding some police officials suggested them not to blow up the issue.
“That’s why we have come here to highlight what happened to us,” they said.
Officials have, meanwhile, rejected the allegations.
“There were no attacks on Bakerwals,” DC Udhampur Bashir Ahmad Khan told Rising Kashmir over phone.
“The Bakerwals’ livestock had lost track in the jungles and after complaints, it was recovered with the help of concerned SHO and Tehsildar,” he claimed.
SSP Udhampur, Surinder Gupta could not be contacted for his comments.
Baba Umar
Srinagar, May 03: Dozens of nomadic Bakerwals of Kathua district on Tuesday alleged physical assaults and livestock looting by “pro-Hindutva” activists in Udhampur when the shepherds were in Majalta area of the district along with their cattle.
A delegation of community members told Rising Kashmir that around 300 pro-Hindutva activists in Udhampur led by Ramesh Sharma of Doma, Raju of Majalta and Laabu of Udhampur raided their caravan with tridents and swords besides looting livestock worth Rs 80 lakh.
“At this time of year we move towards upper pastures but when we reached Majalta, the trio came with almost 300 men and looted our belongings,” Muhammad Sadiq, one of the delegation members said.
He said the attack took place in the afternoon of April 7 and despite repeated attempts, officials didn’t help.
Another member, Muhammad Riyaz said the Hindu mob also fired many bullets “to threaten us of consequences if we didn’t leave the area quickly.”
“They attacked our children and women too. We ran away leaving our belongings there,” said Muhammad Azim, who was beaten up by the mob said.
Muslim Bakerwals’ migration from Jammu begins in February and the community reaches Udhampur by the end of the month when Gujjars of Udhampur too start upward migration.
The migratory route is almost parallel to Jammu-Srinagar highway, but up to Ramban the community adopts a shorter route avoiding traffic hazards on the highway.
From Ramban to Banihal, they take the highway route but they make every effort to avoid the busy road. After crossing the Jawahar tunnel they disperse and proceed towards the sub-alpine and alpine pastures which they have been using for a long time.
After this attack, Bakerwals said they are frightened, so much, that many of the community members are thinking to give up the migration practice.
“Now it has become quite dangerous to continue with our age-old migration,” a Bakerwal woman said.
Azim said the community members, immediately after attack and plunder on their livestock, visited police officials, Gujjar leader and Forest and Environment Minister Mian Altaf “but no one helped us.”
“Mian Altaf gave us three minutes to explain our story. He promised us action but nothing happened,” the community members said adding some police officials suggested them not to blow up the issue.
“That’s why we have come here to highlight what happened to us,” they said.
Officials have, meanwhile, rejected the allegations.
“There were no attacks on Bakerwals,” DC Udhampur Bashir Ahmad Khan told Rising Kashmir over phone.
“The Bakerwals’ livestock had lost track in the jungles and after complaints, it was recovered with the help of concerned SHO and Tehsildar,” he claimed.
SSP Udhampur, Surinder Gupta could not be contacted for his comments.
Committee recommends quota for Gujjars
Jaipur, May 3 (PTI) A committee appointed by the High Court to look into the reservation demand of Gujjars in Rajasthan has recommended the government to grant quota and special backward class status to the community.
The I S Israni committee report submitted before the High Court has endorsed the recommendations of Justice Chopra Committee, which had recommended five per cent reservation for the community in 2007 in government employment and admission to educational institutions.
The Israni committee report has also asked the government to contest the reservation issue in favour of the community.
The committee was constituted by an interim order of the High Court to defuse law and order situation arising out of Gujjars' agitations in the state
The I S Israni committee report submitted before the High Court has endorsed the recommendations of Justice Chopra Committee, which had recommended five per cent reservation for the community in 2007 in government employment and admission to educational institutions.
The Israni committee report has also asked the government to contest the reservation issue in favour of the community.
The committee was constituted by an interim order of the High Court to defuse law and order situation arising out of Gujjars' agitations in the state
Bainsla quits BJP, to intensify agitation
JAIPUR: Less than two months after he found a place in the BJP’s national executive, Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla on Monday announced his resignation from the party. Bainsla, who became a member of the party in 2009 just before the Lok Sabha polls, had also contested and lost from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur constituency.
“I am resigning from all political posts that I hold,” Bainsla said at the mahapanchayat. “This fight is not for my personal gains but for the community. I want to congratulate the chief minister on his birthday on behalf of our community,” Bainsla said at a mahapanchayat called at Mehrawar in Alwar district on Monday.
“The matter is being dragged on and on... I give the government time till the afternoon of May 5. Either they announce a 5% reservation for us or else we will launch a strong agitation in the state,” he said. The mahapadav on that day will be held at Madanpur in the Bharatpur district, he said.
However, BJP president Arun Chaturvedi said that though he was aware of Bainsla announcing his resignation, he was yet to receive a formal letter.
“I am resigning from all political posts that I hold,” Bainsla said at the mahapanchayat. “This fight is not for my personal gains but for the community. I want to congratulate the chief minister on his birthday on behalf of our community,” Bainsla said at a mahapanchayat called at Mehrawar in Alwar district on Monday.
“The matter is being dragged on and on... I give the government time till the afternoon of May 5. Either they announce a 5% reservation for us or else we will launch a strong agitation in the state,” he said. The mahapadav on that day will be held at Madanpur in the Bharatpur district, he said.
However, BJP president Arun Chaturvedi said that though he was aware of Bainsla announcing his resignation, he was yet to receive a formal letter.
JK Gujjars demand separate channel on Doordarshan
STAFF WRITER 21:9 HRS IST
Jammu, May 2 (PTI) Expressing resentment over alleged non-representation of their mother tongue on Doordarshan, the Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today demanded a separate channel on the network called "DD Gojri".
The demand was made by the communities in a communication sent to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry through the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, its Secretary Javaid Rabi told reporters here today.
Speakers of Gojri language feel totally ignored and overlooked by the policy makers of India's largest public broadcaster Prasar Bharti, Rabi said quoting the communication sent to the Union government in this regard
Jammu, May 2 (PTI) Expressing resentment over alleged non-representation of their mother tongue on Doordarshan, the Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today demanded a separate channel on the network called "DD Gojri".
The demand was made by the communities in a communication sent to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry through the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, its Secretary Javaid Rabi told reporters here today.
Speakers of Gojri language feel totally ignored and overlooked by the policy makers of India's largest public broadcaster Prasar Bharti, Rabi said quoting the communication sent to the Union government in this regard
Gujjar leaders appear before Israni panel
Jaipur, Apr 29 (PTI) A delegation led by Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla today appeared before the Justice Israni Committee to explain its stand on demand of reservation in government jobs.
Gujjar leaders including Bainsla and Roop Singh, along with representatives from Banjara and Rebari community appeared before the committee headed by retired Rajasthan High Court judge I Israni.
The leaders apprised the committee of their stand on the reservation, Roop Singh told reporters after the meeting, adding they justified their demands and maintained that the quota was must for upliftment of their communities.
"We have demanded for implementation of the five per cent reservation at the earliest, which has been accorded to Gujjars, Raika, Rebari and Banjara community.
Gujjar leaders including Bainsla and Roop Singh, along with representatives from Banjara and Rebari community appeared before the committee headed by retired Rajasthan High Court judge I Israni.
The leaders apprised the committee of their stand on the reservation, Roop Singh told reporters after the meeting, adding they justified their demands and maintained that the quota was must for upliftment of their communities.
"We have demanded for implementation of the five per cent reservation at the earliest, which has been accorded to Gujjars, Raika, Rebari and Banjara community.
Gujjar leaders appear before Israni panel
Jaipur, Apr 29 (PTI) A delegation led by Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla today appeared before the Justice Israni Committee to explain its stand on demand of reservation in government jobs.
Gujjar leaders including Bainsla and Roop Singh, along with representatives from Banjara and Rebari community appeared before the committee headed by retired Rajasthan High Court judge I Israni.
The leaders apprised the committee of their stand on the reservation, Roop Singh told reporters after the meeting, adding they justified their demands and maintained that the quota was must for upliftment of their communities.
"We have demanded for implementation of the five per cent reservation at the earliest, which has been accorded to Gujjars, Raika, Rebari and Banjara community.
Gujjar leaders including Bainsla and Roop Singh, along with representatives from Banjara and Rebari community appeared before the committee headed by retired Rajasthan High Court judge I Israni.
The leaders apprised the committee of their stand on the reservation, Roop Singh told reporters after the meeting, adding they justified their demands and maintained that the quota was must for upliftment of their communities.
"We have demanded for implementation of the five per cent reservation at the earliest, which has been accorded to Gujjars, Raika, Rebari and Banjara community.
Vishvendra Singh meets Gujjars,pledges support
JAIPUR: Throwing their weight behind the agitating Gujjars,former Bharatpur MP Vishvendra Singh and his wife Divya Singh called on the Gujjar leaders at the mahapadav in Dausa on Tuesday and vouched the support of Jat community for their cause.
Earlier,president of Jat Mahasabha,Rajaram Meel had also pledged support of his community while Kirorilal Meena has been openly vouching for the Gujjar cause.
The couple addressed the mahapadav at Dausa and said that the Gujjars must be given reservation within the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court.They said that the 5% reservation may be taken from the 14% reservation meant for the OBCs and given to the Gujjars, said Himmat Singh,a senior Gujjar leader in Dausa.
Earlier on Monday,Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson Roop Singh was in Jaipur for consulting a research scholar on the reservation rights for the Gujjars.The scholar is researching on criminal tribes in the state.There are certain links that she is working on for the Gujjars too and she had suggested a 10% reservation for us, Roop Singh said.
Meanwhile,the mahapadavs at various locations in the state are still on as members of the Gujjar community continue their peaceful agitation in various parts of the state.
The proposed meeting of Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla with the Israni committee slated for Monday has now been rescheduled for Thursday.
DGP reviews security in city
Director general of police (DGP) Harish Chandra Meena reviewed security arrangements in the district at a meeting in the police control room on Tuesday.Apart from bandobast for Gujjar reservation agitation,he enquired about progress in various loot and murder cases in the city recently.Meena was apprised of progress in these cases.The meeting began around noon and ended at 2 pm.With danger of Gujjars entering the city to press their demand for reservation still looming large,Meena took stock of the situation and asked the officers to remain extra vigilant.TNN
Earlier,president of Jat Mahasabha,Rajaram Meel had also pledged support of his community while Kirorilal Meena has been openly vouching for the Gujjar cause.
The couple addressed the mahapadav at Dausa and said that the Gujjars must be given reservation within the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court.They said that the 5% reservation may be taken from the 14% reservation meant for the OBCs and given to the Gujjars, said Himmat Singh,a senior Gujjar leader in Dausa.
Earlier on Monday,Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson Roop Singh was in Jaipur for consulting a research scholar on the reservation rights for the Gujjars.The scholar is researching on criminal tribes in the state.There are certain links that she is working on for the Gujjars too and she had suggested a 10% reservation for us, Roop Singh said.
Meanwhile,the mahapadavs at various locations in the state are still on as members of the Gujjar community continue their peaceful agitation in various parts of the state.
The proposed meeting of Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla with the Israni committee slated for Monday has now been rescheduled for Thursday.
DGP reviews security in city
Director general of police (DGP) Harish Chandra Meena reviewed security arrangements in the district at a meeting in the police control room on Tuesday.Apart from bandobast for Gujjar reservation agitation,he enquired about progress in various loot and murder cases in the city recently.Meena was apprised of progress in these cases.The meeting began around noon and ended at 2 pm.With danger of Gujjars entering the city to press their demand for reservation still looming large,Meena took stock of the situation and asked the officers to remain extra vigilant.TNN
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