Grand civil society meeting in Boniyar demands ST-2 status for Uri Sub-Division

A grand civil society meeting was held in Boniyar as thousands across the political, social, religious and caste line came out in support of left out Pahari people from ST-2.

As per a press release, it brought together political leaders from multiple parties including the National Conference,  BJP, PDP, Apni Party, Congress, People’s Conference, Aam Aadmi Party and Bharat Jado party, along with prominent members of civil society.

The event organised by Pahari Ethnic Group Boniyar  Mohammad Fareed Khan, Adv Abdul Khaliq, Dr Farooq Ahmed Sheikh, Mohammad Afzal and Er Abdul Ahad.  During the meeting, all participating leaders unanimously demanded that the entire Uri sub-division be declared under ST-2 status. They emphasized that the majority population of the area, excluding Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, belongs to the Pahari ethnic group and deserves equal consideration in reservation benefits.

The speakers strongly condemned what they termed as discrimination in the implementation of ST-2 reservation and expressed concern over the growing discontent among locals. They urged the administration to intervene immediately and address the issue on a priority basis to ensure that the social fabric of the sensitive border area remains intact.

Among those present were former DDC and NC leader Mohammad Ismail Khan (Boniyar), District Vice President National Conference Raja Javed Khan, senior leaders Altaf Mir and Dr. Farooq Sheikh, PDP senior leader Prof. Ghulam Mohiuddin, Congress leader Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Apni Party leader Mohammad Aslam Dar, BJP leader Mir Mushtaq and Raja Waqar, Aam Aadmi Party Dr Shabir Ahmad Mangral,Bharat jado state president, Irfan Ahmed Chack, People’s Conference leader Dr. Bashir Ahmad chalkoo, NC Block President Nazir Ahmad Chack, along with several other civil society members. At the end all participating leaders and civil society members appreciated the Pahari Ethnic Group Boniyar for successfully organizing the grand meeting and bringing leaders from different political parties onto a single platform. Speakers lauded the effort as a strong step towards unity and collective representation, stating that such initiatives are vital for addressing key issues like ST-2 status for the Uri sub-division.