‘Empowering Paharis will build prosperous J&K’

Srinagar, Sep 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that empowering Paharis would build resilient and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering of the Pahari tribal community at Srinagar, LG Sinha said, “The Centre is committed to bringing the Pahari tribal community to the mainstream. Their empowerment will build a resilient and prosperous J&K.”

He said that the vision of sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity would shape a brighter future for the tribal community in J&K.

The LG recalled the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari ethnic groups.

He said that empowerment of tribal communities was the priority of the central government.

"There is a need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year, as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our goal of inclusive growth,” LG Sinha said.

Responding to the demands put forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, he said it would be ensured that Pahari ethnic groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.

The LG urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.

“Some divisive elements like terror outfit TRF are trying to peddle a fake narrative. It poses a serious threat, and people must counter it,” he said.

LG Sinha also paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Former Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig; former MLC and Chairman, Pahari Welfare Society, Zafar Iqbal Manhas, and Chairman, Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum, Raja Aijaz Ali were also present on the occasion.