Danyal Khan*
The long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Pahari community in Jammu and Kashmir was finally granted through an act of the Indian Parliament. While this move by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is being celebrated, it raises an important question for the Paharis: was this ST status a rightful recognition or merely a political favour?
If the ST status is a right – and I believe it is – then why should the Pahari community bow down and hail it as BJP’s “ehsaan” (favour)?
While it is true that no previous government delivered on this demand, we must ask ourselves: why now, and what lies behind this timing? Is this an act of justice, or are we being played into a political game that could divide our communities much like what we’ve seen elsewhere in India?
The Politics of Timing: Why Now?
The demand for ST status for the Paharis was not new, nor was it undeserved. But the question we must consider is why the BJP, which failed to address other long-standing demands of Jammu and Kashmir, chose this particular moment to grant this one.
Could it be that they see this as a way to deepen divisions between the Pahari and Gujjar communities in the Pir Panjal region and set the stage for ethnic tension similar to what we’ve seen in Manipur?
Historically, Paharis and Gujjars have stood together, united by a shared land, history, and struggles. Any attempt to divide the two should be seen for what it is: a deliberate political strategy.
Beware the Divisive Politics
BJP, which brands itself as the sympathizer of the Pahari community, is also the party with a well-known reputation for fueling division. Be it religious or ethnic, dividing people is their hallmark, and this is precisely what they seem to be doing by portraying themselves as the well-wishers of the Paharis.
But let’s not be fooled. History has shown us that Gujjars and Paharis are two sides of the same coin, living together in peace for generations. The real threat comes from so-called activists and politicians who seek to sow seeds of discontent between these communities.
These individuals have nothing positive to offer and are using Pahari ST status as a tool to create a wedge. We must resist this. It’s imperative for the people of Pir Panjal to remember that unity is our strength, and allowing ourselves to be divided only serves political agendas, not the welfare of our communities.
The Betrayal of August 5th, 2019
BJP’s track record in Jammu and Kashmir should serve as a stark reminder. On August 5th, 2019, they snatched away our identity, our land, and our pride. The abrogation of Article 370 wasn’t just a political decision; it was a betrayal of the very ideals on which Jammu and Kashmir joined the Indian Union.
People of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, fought for an identity within the Indian framework—a secular, democratic, and inclusive India. This was the India we chose to be a part of, even though we were a Muslim-majority state sharing borders with Pakistan.
The BJP betrayed this trust when they dismantled our constitutional autonomy, an act that was a grave insult not only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also to the values India has held dear for millennia. As they continue to claim they are the champions of development and national unity, we must remember the pain inflicted on the 1.3 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir, who were cut off from the world, with even basic communication services like landline phones taken away.
Time to Reconsider the Biases
For the people of Pir Panjal, especially the Paharis, a party that has made its presence felt that dividing and polarizing communities across India is nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The BJP narrative of helping the Paharis or others in Jammu and Kashmir rings hollow because they first snatched away their protections, stripped them of their dignity and identity, and left them disenfranchised. Equally, one should beware of the leaders who were cozying up to the BJP while the people of Jammu and Kashmir were under lockdown, with no access to even basic communication.
The Path Forward for Pir Panjal
The people of Pir Panjal, both Paharis and Gujjars, must stand united. They must resist the forces that seek to divide them for petty political gains. The ST status is the right of the Paharis, not a favor from any political party, and we must remain vigilant about how it’s being used as a tool for division. The betrayal of August 5th, 2019 should be a reminder as to whether can or cannot be trustworthy.
The people of Pir Panjal should cast their votes wisely and remember that unity between Gujjars and Paharis is their greatest strength. The BJP may have delivered on one demand, but at what cost?
The larger picture must not be forgotten and that is the future of Jammu and Kashmir, its identity, and its people.
*Danyal Khan is a Public Policy professional
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