Robin Rajan
The Kashmir territory has some of the most diverse peoples from India, with a mix of religions, languages and cultures. The Muslim majority population lives in the Kashmir valley, while the plains of Jammu are dominated by Hindus, who make up the largest minority in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Other ethnic groups living in this territory are Gujjars and Paharis. The Paharis mostly reside in the Poonch and Rajouri belts of Jammu, Baramulla and Kupwara districts. At present, this minor ethnic group of Kashmir has little or no political voice, financial security and social equality in the main stream. They are being suppressed by the majorities who are dominating the territory.
The pastoral nomadic community of Gujjars and Bakarwals, in Kashmir, is always on the move, from the plains to the mountains in summers and from mountains to plains in winters, along with herds of livestock, which is its main stay. The history says that this community originated from Gujarat where they were called as Pratihas and the historians of India says that these tribes have been the builders of Kashmir.
This tribe at present is going through their difficult phase of survival where the Govt is shutting the doors for help. Since this group is less literate and have a negligible political hold, all the Govt. schemes and welfare measures which are provide to Kashmir is being utilized by majority groups. Govt. of India provides funds for the health, education and other development projects for these tribes, but the funds maliciously diverted towards schemes which are not meant for their development. This discrimination is not only in political but also at a social level.
One of the long term solutions for the issues faced by these tribes is providing them education. Education is the input financial growth of the tribes and also for the internal force of the tribal community. Education also plays a vital role in the development of human beings and their society which enhances social, cultural and economic development. The education system for these groups demanding for basic educational facilities and changes for the tribal
communities, and it is required to provide education for them according to their need. Male and female students both are still suffering from lack of basic facilities and this decreasing their interest towards education. The central government should have to take new steps towards the upliftment of the Gujjars society.
It was in 1991 as stated in the article 342 the constitution granted ST status to these tribes of Kashmir. Up to some extent the people of this tribe are benefited. Some are Judges in judiciary and some are in police and various other Govt. departments. So the Gujjars are encouraged to send their kids to gain education and compete with the masses.
But majority of the Gujjars don’t want to get education, because it is not satisfying their basic needs. In light of the extraordinary sociological complexity of this territory, a commission to protect minority rights must look into protecting the rights of the various peoples who comprise minority communities and neglected lot in different parts of Kashmir. The institution must be a peacemaker so that all may see it as a defender of their safety, rights, and dignity. A mechanism to protect minority rights is very important but it must be based on a broad vision. It must not lead to the further squeezing of space to celebrate multiple identities and cultures.
Comments