J-K Gujjars ask govt to formulate tribal policy

The schedule tribe Gujjar community of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday demanded that the state government should formulate a comprehensive tribal policy on the lines of a similar framework at the national level.

The schedule tribe Gujjar community of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday demanded that the state government should formulate a comprehensive tribal policy on the lines of a similar framework at the national level.

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In a letter to chief minister Omar Abdullah, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation -- an organisation of Gujjars -- said tribals in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a number of hardships and issues like dispossession of land, violence, poverty and loss of identity.

"We through a letter pleaded for a comprehensive and visionary policy for tribals which can restore the confidence among these communities," its secretary Javaid Rahi said.

The letter said due to non-existence of a tribal policy for protection and development of STs in a holistic manner, the tribes, especially Gujjars and Bakerwals which constitute more then 80% of tribal population of the state, are lagging behind in every field of life.