Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the empowerment of the Pahari tribal community, stating that their inclusion and prosperity are integral to the vision of sustainable growth and inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a gathering of Pahari tribals in Srinagar, he said the government would ensure full implementation of the Scheduled Tribe status granted to the community by Parliament last year.
The Lieutenant Governor recalled the “historic decision” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari ethnic groups and stressed that their empowerment remains a top priority of the Union government. “There is a need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community… their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal,” he said.
Responding to demands raised by community representatives, Sinha assured that all rights guaranteed under the ST Act would be safeguarded.
At the same time, the Lieutenant Governor cautioned against “divisive elements” spreading misinformation and propaganda. Referring to terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), he said: “Some divisive elements are trying to peddle fake narratives… it poses a serious threat and people must counter it.” He urged tribal communities and society at large to unite against terrorism to preserve peace and stability.
On the occasion, the LG also paid tributes to freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event was attended by former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former MLC Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Raja Aijaz Ali, Pahari leaders, and a large number of community members and prominent personalities.
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