Ahead of the visit of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Jammu and Kashmir expectations are running high among the members of the Pahari community as they are anticipating a formal announcement regarding grant of Scheduled Tribe status and political reservation.
On the other hand, members of the Gujjar Bakerwal community are already up in arms and determined to oppose the move tooth and nail.
Through social media and back channel dialogues the elite members of the community including retired bureaucrats and others have been sending warning signals to the Union government against taking this step in order to prevent any flare up.
Members of the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Tribal Welfare Forum, have been organising protest demonstrations against dilution of ST status.
However, speculations are rife in the corridors of power that during his visit to the frontier district of Rajouri on October 4, the Union Home Minister is expected to announce a package for the Pahari community with a clear cut rider to the warring factions of Pahari and Gujjar Bakerwal communities to bury the hatchet and move on.
The Union Home Minister may announce reservation in government jobs and some seats in the Legislative Assembly, for the Paharis and the Pahari-speaking people, including the refugees from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) who could be brought at par with the Gujjar population in enjoying these benefits.
Dropping a clear hint, BJP Organisation secretary (J&k) Ashok Kaul after supervising the arrangements at the venue of the rally in Rajouri told reporters on Friday, BJP is committed to fulfil the aspirations of the members belonging to the Gujjar,Bakerwal and Pahari community. Recently, a member of the Gujjar community Gulam Ali Khatana was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. We are working in the direction of ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikaas, Sab Ka Vishwaas”, Kaul added.