Pahari people (Kashmir) explained

The Pahari people or Pahari-speaking people is a cover term for a number of heterogeneous communities inhabiting in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and also some parts of Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir who speak Pahari languages/dialects.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Pahari is also an ambiguous term used to describe a variety of Northern Indo-Aryan languages, most of which are found in the lower Himalayas. They are divided into Eastern Pahari (which includes Nepali), Central Pahari, and Western Pahari, consisting of a number of different languages.[7] The term is also used to refer to the Pahari variant of the Pahari-Pothwari dialect cluster.

Pahari Ethnic Group

The J&K Socially Economically Backward Classes Commission constituted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in 2020 in its report has recommended to renaming the group 'Pahari Speaking People' (who speak Pothowari dialects fall under Lahnda Western Punjabi) with the substitute nomenclature 'Pahari Ethnic Group' in terms of provisions that grant Reservation to them, as PSP, under J&K Reservation Rules 2004 and accordingly, the J&K government has issued instructions on October 19, 2022 and replaced 'Pahari Speaking People' with 'Pahari Ethnic Group',[8] which tends to identify them as an ethnic group to be brought under the purview of the Schedule of Tribes under the Constitution of India.[9] [10]

Scheduled Tribes status granted Pahari Ethnic Group

ST status was granted to Pahari Speaking People' (who speak Pothowari dialects fall under Lahnda Western Punjabi) through an Act passed by Parliament. On 26 July 2023, the bill to add Pahari Ethnic Group along with the Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahman in the existing list of scheduled tribes in Jammu and Kashmir was introduced in the Lok Sabha.[11] The bill was taken into consideration on February 6, 2024 and was passed the same day.[12] The bill was further passed from the Rajya Sabha on February 9.[13] The Act of Parliament received the President's Assent on the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 2024. A gazette notification in this regard was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice states on 12 February 2024.[14]

People and Languages

The Pahari people are mainly referred to two groups:

Gujjar-Pahari issue over Scheduled Tribe status

The Gujjars who have been already listed as Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir in 1991 are opposing grant of ST status and other similar benefits to the Pahari Speaking People of J&K with the argument that such a step will dilute the entire Scheduled Tribe status. They (Gujjars) are constantly countering the move to grant Scheduled Tribe status to 'Pahari Speaking People' on the basis of (Pahari) Language.[23] [24] [25] [26] The Gujjars are of the view that such a move will dilute their share of reservation in the UT of J&K.

In order to oppose the demand of ST to Paharis, the tribal Gujjar youth started foot March in November 2022.After 21 days struggle the Joint Action Committee was invited by the Home Minister of India in New Delhi for a dialogue.[27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]

The Gujjars argue that majority of Pahari Speaking People belongs to upper class Muslims such as Syeds, Qazi, Per, Beg, Raja, Malik, Mirza, Khan, Mughals, Rajputs, Kashmiris and upper caste Sikhs, Hindus including Brahmins, Rajputs, Mahajans and they do not face any social stigma or caste inequality like Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis and other tribes of Jammu and Kashmir do.[33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] They said as per 2011 census the literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes of J&K is 50% and 59% in STs across India but in Pahari Speaking People especially in Poonch, Rajouri districts it is 68% and if Paharis entered into ST status the existing tribes will get affected adversely.[40] [41] [42] [43] The Gujjars further arguing that the 'Pahari Speaking People' do not belong to a Socially, Economically and Educationally backward class like Gujjars, Bakarwals, Gaddis, Sippis and Shina who are in ST list of J&K. Gujjars are opposing ST status to Paharis as they believe Paharis are already enjoying 4% reservation under Actual Control Line habitat, 10% under RBA, 4% under Other Social Castes, 10% under Economically Weaker Section, 4% under Pahari Speaking besides 48% General Category and now they are trying to get the share in 10% granted to Gujjars under ST.[44] [45] [46] [47]

Meanwhile a number of organisations of displaced communities consisting of West Pakistan refugees who were exiled during partition now residing primarily in Jammu have been struggling and demanding ST status for them as they are also Paharis.[48] [49] In addition to this, they are urging for a share in 4% reservations in Govt Jobs/ Admissions granted to 'Pahari Speaking People' as these communities belongs to same clans of PSP and they speaks Pahari dialects fall under Lahnda Group.[50] [51]

Establishment of Pahari Board & grant of 4% Reservation to PSP

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has established an Advisory Board for the development of Pahari Speaking People in 1989 for the welfare of Pahari People.[52] [53] Nevertheless, core demands – like that for a Scheduled Tribe status and the associated affirmative action benefits – were not met (until 2024). In 1989, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir recommended to the Union Government of India that the Paharis of Kashmir should be granted such status,[54] [55] and this recommendation was reiterated in 1994 by the governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the chief ministers of the state.[56] [57]

In April 2020, the government of Jammu and Kashmir granted to "Pahari-speaking people" four percent reservation for direct recruitment and admission and distribution of seats in professional institutions.[58] This has sparked disagreements between representatives of the two unrelated "Pahari" communities – those of eastern Kashmir and those of mountains of western Jammu – as to which group of the two constitutes the "genuine Paharis" with a more disadvantaged status, and therefore stronger claim to receiving the benefits of the reservation policy.[59] [60]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Who are Paharis . Indian Express .
  2. Web site: Ethnic Plurality in Jammu and Kashmir- A Sociological Analysis -Book- Man in India. Research Gate .
  3. Web site: Chapter 05-IDENTITY FORMATION AND ASSERTION A STUDY OF PAHARI SPEAKING COMMUNITY OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR . Department of Sociology University of Jammu -shodhganga .
  4. Web site: Vol. Linguistic Survey of India Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  5. Web site: GADDI -Vol. Linguistic Survey of India Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  6. Web site: Gujari -Vol. Linguistic Survey of India Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  7. Web site: Definition of Pahari . 15 February 2022 . Dictionary.com.
  8. News: Press Trust of India . 2020-03-19 . JK govt sets up backward classes commission . Business Standard India . 2022-12-08.
  9. News: Sharma . Ronik . 2022-11-07 . Opposition to ST Status to Pahari ethnic group .
  10. Web site: 2022-10-23 . J&K amends rules: Pahari ethnicity, not language, to be criterion for reservation . 2022-12-08 . The Indian Express . en.
  11. News: Bureau . The Hindu . 2023-07-26 . Bills to expand Jammu & Kashmir's Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes lists introduced in the Lok Sabha . 2023-07-26 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  12. News: Ashiq . Abhinay Lakshman & Peerzada . 2024-02-06 . Amid protests in Jammu, Lok Sabha passes Bill to include Paharis in J&K's ST list . 2024-02-06 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
  13. Web site: 2024-02-09 . The new Scheduled Tribe in J&K: Paharis . 2024-02-09 . Hindustan Times . en.
  14. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/governance/president-gives-assent-to-jk-scheduled-tribes-amendment-act-2024/|St Status to Pahari granted through notification dated 12/02/2024
  15. Web site: Vol. Linguistic Survey of India published in 1928. Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  16. Web site: Vol. Linguistic Survey of India Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  17. Web site: Vol. Linguistic Survey of India Vol 9, Pt. 4 Indo-Aryan Family. Central Group. Specimens of the Pahārī Languages and Gujurī . Digital South Asia Library.
  18. Web site: Linguistic Survey of India .
  19. Lothers. Michael. Lothers. Laura. 2010. Pahari and Pothwari: A Sociolinguistic Survey. SIL Electronic Survey Reports. 2010-012.
  20. Book: Sonstige., Joseph C., Mathew 1966- . Understanding Pakistan : emerging voices from india . 2017 . 978-1-138-23490-1 . 991571023.
  21. A 2000 estimate reported in
  22. Lists of regions and settlements are found in and .
  23. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/gujjars-oppose-paharis-demand-for-st-status-420531 Gujjars oppose Paharis' demand for ST status
  24. Web site: Gujjars, Paharis spar over tribe status . December 2007 . The Hindustan Times .
  25. Web site: J&K Gujjars meet Union Tribal Minister oppose ST status to Paharis . The Scoop News.
  26. Web site: Gujjar and Bakerwal oppose ST status to 'Paharis' in J&K . 20 August 2007 .
  27. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2022-11-09 . Paharis in ST list: Gujjars, Bakerwals to boycott Union Tribal Minister's J&K visit in protest . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-12-20 . 0971-751X.
  28. Web site: 2022-11-28 . After Home Minister's assurance, Bakerwals, Gujjars discontinue foot march . 2023-12-20 . Hindustan Times . en.
  29. Web site: Why are tribals from Jammu and Kashmir protesting inclusion of Paharis in ST list? . 16 November 2022 .
  30. Web site: 2022-11-24 . Shah meets protesting Gujjar-Bakerwals, assures no dilution in their existing quota . 2023-12-20 . DailyExcelsior . en-US.
  31. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2022-11-28 . Gujjar, Bakerwals call off agitation against Paharis’ ST status after Amit Shah's assurances . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-12-20 . 0971-751X.
  32. Web site: 2022-11-07 . Gujjar Leaders Protest in J&K Against Paharis Getting ST Tag, Say Their Inclusion Will Deter Upliftment . 2023-12-20 . News18 . en.
  33. https://www.news9live.com/india/jks-gujjar-bakkerwal-communities-up-in-arms-against-st-status-for-paharis-140426 Gujjars up in arms against ST status to Paharis
  34. Web site: 2022-08-12 . Gujjars-Bakerwals, Gaddis oppose ST status to ‘Paharis’ . 2023-12-20 . DailyExcelsior . en-US.
  35. https://www.risingkashmir.com/-Gujjars--Bakerwals--Gaddis-oppose-ST-status-to--Paharis---appeal-HM-to-intervene-113337 Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis oppose ST status to 'Paharis'; appeal HM to intervene
  36. Web site: KO . 2021-12-28 . Gujjar-Pahari: The Vicious Divide in Pir Panjal Region . 2022-12-08 . Kashmir Observer . en-US.
  37. News: Ashiq . Peerzada . 2022-06-06 . Pir Panjal emerges key electoral battleground to capture power in J&K . en-IN . The Hindu . 2022-12-08 . 0971-751X.
  38. Web site: BJP on their side, Pahari leaders have effectively put their Gujjar counterparts in spot . 2023-12-20 . The Dispatch . en-US.
  39. Web site: J&K: Pahari-Gujjar divide sharpens before Amit Shah visit . 2023-12-20 . www.telegraphindia.com . en.
  40. https://tribal.nic.in/downloads/Statistics/AnnualReport/AREnglish2021.pdf Tribal Affairs, Govt of India Report 2021 on tribes of India
  41. Web site: 2022-09-24 . The Peak Fault Line . 2023-12-20 . Kashmir Life . en-GB.
  42. http://www.schedujammu.nic.in/district%20poonch.html Literacy Rate of Poonch
  43. Web site: Rajouri Population 2023, District Tehsils List, Jammu And Kashmir . 2023-12-20 . www.indiagrowing.com.
  44. Web site: Gujjars, Paharis spar over tribe status . December 2007 .
  45. Web site: Gujjars oppose ST status for Paharis .
  46. Web site: Govt push to grant ST status to Pahari community -Mufti . 5 Darya News.
  47. Web site: CM promises ST status to Paharis. Early Times News.
  48. Web site: Excelsior . Daily . MJR-47 demands ST status for PoJK DPs of 1947 . 2023-07-17 . DailyExcelsior . en-US.
  49. Web site: Service . Statesman News . PoJK refugees call on BJP govt to fulfil their demands before elections . 2023-11-06 . The Statesman . en-US.
  50. Web site: 2022-08-29 . Scheduled tribe status for POJK displaced . 2023-12-20 . DailyExcelsior . en-US.
  51. Web site: 2022-04-21 . PoJK refugee leader threatens self-immolation if 'Pahari' status denied . 2023-12-20 . ThePrint . en-US.
  52. Web site: Schemes State Advisory Board for the development of Pahari Speaking People. Social Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir Government -Pahari Speaking People Board.
  53. Web site: State Advisory Board for the development of Pahari Speaking People. Jammu and Kashmir Government - Pahari Speaking People Board.
  54. Web site: Pahari Speaking People meet PM with ST status demand . 3 February 2019 . Excelsior News.
  55. Web site: Pahari Community Reiterates Demand For ST Status. Jammu Kashmir Archives .
  56. Web site: Pahari Community Reiterates Demand For ST Status. Jammu Kashmir Archives.
  57. Web site: Scheduled Tribe Status for Paharis in J&K. IPCS News .
  58. Web site: Govt of Jammu and Kashmir ordered granting 4% Reservation for Pahari Speaking People of Jammu and Kashmir . IPEC.
  59. Web site: NC demands Pahari status to erstwhile Doda distt . 10 September 2020 . 1 November 2020 . Daily Excelsior Jammu.
  60. Web site: Row over decision on quota issue Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir refugees claim to be the 'real Paharis' . 1 November 2020 . Daily Excelsior Jammu.

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