"As the community's hard-won ST2 status faces uncertainty, Pahari leaders call on MLA Karnah to take a firm stand and protect the future of their children, warning of protests if their rights are not safeguarded".
Karnah, Kupwara: The Pahari community from Tehsil Karnah in the frontier district of Kupwara has raised alarm bells, calling on their elected representative, MLA Karnah, to clearly articulate his position on the reservation policy. The community, granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status under ST2, now fears that their hard-fought recognition is under threat, jeopardizing the future of their children and the progress of their community.
In a strongly worded appeal, the Pahari community emphasized that the recent recognition as a Scheduled Tribe was a long-overdue acknowledgment of their socio-economic hardships and geographical isolation. However, there is growing apprehension that political ambiguity and potential policy shifts could undermine their newly gained status.
“Our ST status was a milestone for us, but the silence from our representative on this issue is deeply unsettling,” said a prominent community leader during a gathering in Karnah. “We need assurance that our rights will not be eroded, and that the future of our children, who have just begun to hope for better opportunities, remains secure.”
Community Concerns
The Pahari community’s fears are rooted in the following challenges:
1. Policy Uncertainty: Recent developments have led to concerns that the ST2 status might be diluted or contested, leaving the community vulnerable to losing access to crucial benefits.
2. Future of Children at Stake: Without the protective umbrella of ST2, the younger generation could face heightened competition and limited access to reserved educational and employment opportunities.
3. Geographical Disadvantage: Nestled in the remote border region of Karnah, the Pahari community has long struggled with a lack of infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities, making the ST status vital for leveling the playing field.
4. Lack of Political Support: The silence of MLA Karnah on this pressing issue has fueled distrust and disappointment among the community.
Call for Action
Community members have urged MLA Karnah to step forward and unequivocally defend the ST2 status of the Pahari community in legislative forums and public platforms. “This is not just a matter of policy; this is about the survival and dignity of our people,” said a youth activist.
“We supported our MLA with the hope that he would fight for us, but his lack of clarity is disheartening. We need him to take a firm stand and ensure that our community’s rights are not compromised for political expediency,” said another concerned parent.
Warning of Protests
The Pahari community has warned that if their concerns are not addressed promptly, they will mobilize large-scale protests to safeguard their rights. "We have waited too long for recognition, and we cannot afford to lose it now. If our voices are not heard, we will make sure they are seen," said a senior community member.
The MLA’s Silence
Despite repeated calls from the community, MLA Karnah has yet to issue a public statement on the matter. His silence has raised questions about his commitment to protecting the interests of one of the most marginalized groups in his constituency.
As the Pahari community continues to rally support, their plea has resonated beyond Karnah, drawing attention to the fragile state of reservation policies in the region. They urge the government and policymakers to address their concerns, ensuring that the promises of equality and opportunity do not remain empty words.
A Community on the Brink
The Pahari community's demand is clear: their ST2 status must be safeguarded, and their children’s future must not be placed in jeopardy. The onus now lies on MLA Karnah and the broader political establishment to provide the clarity and assurance this vulnerable community desperately needs.
Failure to act could not only erode trust in political representatives but also lead to the unraveling of social harmony in one of the most sensitive regions of the state.
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Politics