SRINAGAR: The Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha (GMS) today demanded representation in Legislative Assembly, Council and Parliament besides creation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs in Jammu and Kashmir.
The demand was made by president of the Mahasabha Eshfaq-Ur-Rehman Poswal during his meeting with All India Congress Committee (AICC) General secretary, incharge Jammu and Kashmir, Ambika Soni here today.
Mr Poswal said,” we presented a detailed representation listing various urgent and pressing matters concerning the Community.
He said that Gujjar Community in the state of Jammu and Kashmir forms 20 per cent of the total population of the state spread over the length and breadth of the state which includes the peripheral areas of the state.
He brought to the notice of Mrs Soni that Gujjar Community is generally socially, educationally and economically backward.
However, the main demands listed included urgent need for making reservations for effective representation in Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and the Parliament in accordance with the directive of the Constitution of India.
“We also demanded that funds earmarked for Gujjars should be utilised for the development of the community members, creation of Ministry of Tribal Affairs at State level in the State, lowering the minimal basic qualification for employment, particularly in Belt Force to Middle Pass.
He said Ms Soni gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured all possible help in solving the genuine demands.
