SAYED KAMRAN ALI
GADYAL NEWS
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Mumtaz Hussain Shah. A good number of prominent people from the Pahari community attended the meeting. All the orators thanked the Congress High Command for reposing faith in Sh. Nisar Ahmed to head JKPCC Pahari Cell. Several important issues pertaining to the community came under active discussion during the session. The demands vociferously made by the participants were grant of Schedule Tribe status to the Pahari Community, doing away with the income bar in the 4% reservation under OBC granted in favour of the Pahari Community, regular payment of Scholarships to Pahari students, new construction/renovation of Pahari hostels, bringing district Poonch and Rajouri on Tourism map for sightseeing and religious tourism which has a great potential in the twin districts, identification of land for setting up Industrial estates which will create business & employment opportunities for the people and expedite the work of 4 laning of Jammu-Poonch National Highway.
Concluding the meeting, Sh. Nisar Ahmed assured the participants that the demands put forth by them will be documented and submitted to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor for consideration. He also assured that no stone shall be left unturned in coming up to the genuine expectations of the members of Pahari Community. The meeting concluded at 01:30pm.
