Anantnag Aug 9: The District Legal Services Authority -DLSA Anantnag on Wednesday organised an awareness camp on eve of the World Tribal Day at Kokernag. The programme was organised in collaboration with Human Rights & Anti- Corruption Forum a Non Governmental Organisation.
While addressing the gathering Principal District and Sessions Judge Anantnag Jaffer Hussain Beigh who is also the Chairperson of -DLSA Anantnag said that constitution of India has guaranteed several rights to scheduled tribe people and the Gujjar Bakerwal population of Anantnag especially must know about these rights. He appreciated the role of DLSA Anantnag for creating awareness on various legislations especially those meant for tribal communities.
Sub Divisional Magistrate -SDM Kokernag Shakeel Ahmad spoke on the historical perspective of World Tribal Day and he also stressed on more awareness on laws that are meant for benefits of ST population. Chairman RTI Movement J&K Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat who was invited as Resource Person by the DLSA Anantnag threw light on Forest Rights Act-2006 and SC ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989. He urged upon Govt and DLSA Anantnag that Gujjar and Bakerwal population should be made aware of their rights under Forest Rights Act and other laws . He appealed to Gujjar youth to come forward and help their communities to demand their rights under the different legislations.
Secretary DLSA Anantnag Tabassum Qadir Parray who is also Sub Judge Anantnag threw light on the historical aspect of World Tribal Day and the work done by DLSA to create awareness about different pro people legislations.
Among others who participated in the programme included Sub Judge Vailoo , SDPO Kokernag, Tehsildar Kokernag , President Municipal Committee Kokernag. A large number of lawyers, media persons, social activists, tribal activists and officials of subordinate judiciary also took part in the programme . Pertinently August 9th every year is commemorated as World Tribal Day by the United Nations which is also known as International Day for World’s Indigenous People. From 1994 onwards this day is commemorated every year with different themes and this year’s theme was Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self Determination.
