Karnah, July 8 (JKNS): The emergence of a new organization under the banner of the “ST Forum” in the border subdivision of Karnah, aimed at issues concerning the Scheduled Tribe (ST-2) community, has sparked debate across public and social circles.
According to sources, the newly formed forum also includes a few faces from the Pir Panjal region, prompting many to question why a new organization was needed when an already active and representative body has been working for the same cause.
It is worth noting that for the past one and a half years, the All Jammu & Kashmir Pahari Tribal Association has been consistently advocating for the rights of the ST-2 community, pressing for the full implementation of the Scheduled Tribe status and ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive all associated rights and benefits.
The association’s office-bearers, along with district-level representatives, have held several meetings with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior government officials, demanding the complete implementation of all ST-2-related provisions.
Many members of the public believe that if the objective is the same, efforts should have been focused on strengthening the already existing organization instead of creating a parallel platform. They argue that before establishing a new body, consultations should have been held with the existing association’s leadership, civil society members, intellectuals, employees’ organizations, and other stakeholders to build a united and stronger platform through consensus.
Social observers say that Karnah has often witnessed the formation of multiple organizations pursuing the same objective due to ideological differences and group rivalries.
According to them, such fragmentation weakens collective strength and can ultimately undermine the interests of the community instead of advancing them.
Public representatives have stressed that on an issue as significant as ST-2, all organizations, social institutions, and responsible individuals should rise above personal differences and work together on a common platform.
They believe that only a united voice can effectively convey the community’s concerns to the government and help secure the legitimate rights and benefits of the Pahari community.
Meanwhile, senior members associated with the Pahari Cultural Forum expressed concern over the growing tendency toward division, stating, “We are all suffering from an incurable disease the habit of believing that only our own opinions are right while rejecting the views of others. No one is willing to step back. Everyone is determined to push forward their own vehicle, no matter how worn out it may be, even if it means harming others in the process. This is contrary to Karnah’s rich traditions of unity and mutual respect.”
“Such a trend risks destroying the little unity that remains and could ultimately harm our collective interests and the larger cause of the community. (JKNS)
