Ch Haroon Khatana Calls On Deputy Commissioners Jammu, Samba and Kathua

Grievances Of Gujjars and Bakerwals Highlighted

April, 08,2021
Jammu,

Ch Haroon Khatana, a social activist and political leader called on Deputy Commissioners Jammu, Samba and Kathua alingwith huge delegations of the Gujjar Bakerwal Community. The delegations apprised the newly posted Deputy Commissioners of all the three districts the burning problems and demands of the Gujjar and Bakerwal Community.

In view if the recent stray incidents of attacks on the isolated families of Gujjar and Bakerwals by unscrupulous elements who want to disturb peace and harmony, it was emphasized that such elements must be identified and action under law of the land must be taken against them so that such ugly incidents do not recur and the peace and harmony is not disturbed. It was impressed upon the District Magistrates that during their seasonal transhumance upward movements towards hills and mountains and their movement back downwards towards plains before the during autumn the migratory nomadic families of this community are harassed at every step by tge officials of various departments as well as by some disoriented civilians. It was requested that necessary instructions may be converted to all concerned Tehsildars and police stations enroute to stop such harassment forthwith and wherever any such case is reported strict and examplery action should be taken.

The delegations requested for detailed facilitation to the beneficiaries for implementation of Forest Rights Act. It was emphasized that due to the lack of awareness all beneficiaries have not sofar submitted their claims and therefore the dates for the submission of claims may be extended. It was requested that after the conclusion of seasonal migratory movements in each district, at tehsil and block levels camps should be organised for issuance of domicile and caste certificates to these people.
It was demanded that special review meetings may be taken for implementation of schemes in the Tribal areas of respective districts. It was demanded that the process of issuing mottos for seasonal migrations at tehsil levels may be streamlined and made easier so that the poor nomadic tribals should run from pillar to post wasting a lot of their time and energy.
It was brought to the notices of the Deputy Commissioners that of late many cases of issuance of fake ST certificates by fudging and tempering revenue records have come to surface. The concernd issuing authorities may be strictly warned to adhere to the norms and stop misusing their official positions by resorting to corrupt practices.
Discussions were also also held regarding functioning of health, education, sheep and animal husbandry departments.

The Deputy Commissioners concerned gave patient hearing to the delegations, took serious note of the various issues flagged and issues on spot directions for resolution of many issues in prompt and time bound manner.

Mohammad Anwer Phamda, a Gujjar leader accompanying the delegations thanked the Dy Commissioners and other officers for sparing their time for listening to the problems and demands of visiting delegations.