Khatana raises tribal alienation concerns with Union Home Minister

New Delhi, Aug 12: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Gulam Ali Khatana called on Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in the national capital the other day, flagging a series of issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on what he termed the growing alienation of tribal communities.

Referring to the recent killings of tribal residents, Khatana underlined their longstanding role in countering insurgency and protecting the territorial integrity of the region. He said their sacrifices were well recognised by senior police officials in the Union Territory and urged that the community be accorded due protection, inclusion, and encouragement.

The MP also drew attention to the closure of several trek routes and tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent terror attack, noting that the decline in tourist arrivals had left many local homestay owners who had availed loans to expand their facilities, in financial distress.

He urged the Centre to consider targeted measures to revive the tourism sector.

Expressing concern over the limited implementation of certain Central welfare schemes and legislations in the Union Territory, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and forest laws, BJP MP Khatana alleged that the National Conference was “functioning with the old mindset and in the same manner as prior to the abrogation of Article 370” and thereby hindering the reach of such initiatives. He asked for direction to the J&K administration to fully implement Central schemes so that the benefits of welfare and development programmes could reach the intended sections of the population.