 Early Times Report
UDHAMPUR, Jan 19: State President, Apni Party's Schedule Tribe Wing, Saleem Choudhary has appealed to the Govt for the social, economic and political upliftment of the tribal community in neglected areas of the Union Territory.
Addressing a joining programme which was presided over by District President, Udhampur, Hans Raj Dogra; Choudhary said that the tribal community which lives in remote areas and majority of them are seasonal migration should be provided a better opportunity of livelihood by the Govt with various schemes launched for their benefits.
"We have certain complaints that they are not given heed by the authorities. The tribal people have to suffer because their representation in places where they have less population is hardly given a voice," he said while welcoming those who joined the Party.
Prominent among those who have joined Apni Party include Panch Mohammed Shareef, Panch Ghulam Rasool, Haji Noor Mohammed, Dil Mohammed and others.
He suggested that the Govt must hold awareness camps for the tribal community for their awareness about their rights guaranteed under Forest Rights Act in the Constitution of the country.
"Majority of the tribal population is unaware about the FRA which often leads to their exploitation. Therefore, the Govt and concerned department must hold awareness camps in far flung areas of J&K especially in Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua, Samba and other districts," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Hans Raj Dogra also highlighted developmental issues of the people in the district.
"The villages in Udhampur district lack basic amenities and the marginalized section of society. The infrastructure in health centers, educational institutions etc also lacks," he said.
He pitched for overall development of the district without disparity, especially unexplored tourist spots.
Meanwhile, ST Wing State General Secretary Danish Iqbal also spoke on the occasion and highlighted many issues being confronted by the tribal community with regard to the rights on the land they have been holding for centuries.
He expressed deep concern over the selective anti-encroachment drives launched by Jammu Development Authority and displacement of the marginalized section of society.
He said that the rights of the tribal population in Udhampur should be protected with all legalities and the Apni Party will not tolerate targeted displacement of the tribal community.
He appealed to the Govt to act in a completely impartial manner and displacing the tribal community which is nationalist will give rise to alienation. |
