Srinagar, Jun 22 (KNS) : A delegation of the Pahari Welfare Society, led by its Chairman Zafar Iqbal Manhas, met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha here on Monday and raised several issues pertaining to the community, including extension of Forest Rights Act benefits and inclusion of Pahari language in the Eighth Schedule.
The delegation called on the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Bhavan and expressed gratitude for the successful implementation of the 'Nasha Mukt Abhiyan', lauding its role in spreading awareness against drug abuse across the Union Territory. The Society reaffirmed its support for the LG's vision of a drug-free society.
During the meeting, the delegation flagged concerns relating to the Pahari ethnic community following its grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in February 2024. Key demands included extension of Forest Rights Act benefits to the ST-II category, revival of the Phari Section in the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages through fresh recruitment, and hassle-free issuance of ST-II certificates to eligible candidates.
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The Society also called for measures to promote and preserve the Pahari language, recommending its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, it urged the authorities to introduce a five-minute news bulletin in Pahari on All India Radio Srinagar, citing its wide listenership in border and remote areas.
On the occasion, Manhas presented three newly published books to the Lieutenant Governor — 'Warrior with the Cause' and 'Cricket in the Conifers', authored by Dr. A.H. Shah, and 'Qabila', a Pahari novel by Parvaiz Manous.
Other delegation members included Raja Shahid Sujhat, Professor Jahangeer Danish, Iqbal Kazmi and Parvaiz Manous.
The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured appropriate consideration of the issues raised, an official spokesperson said. (KNS)