02-08-2023 : An FIR has been registered by the police against unidentified individuals for allegedly raising “anti-national” slogans during a rally in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred at a rally organized by Gujjars and Bakerwals in the border district on Tuesday, in protest against a bill introduced in Parliament to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari community.
The FIR, registered under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, pertains to promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and engaging in acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony.
Protests by Gujjars and Bakerwals intensified following the introduction of the bill, which proposed to amend the constitution (Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989) to include the Pahari ethnic group, Gadda Brahmin, Koli, and Paddari in the list of Scheduled Tribes.
A video of the rally surfaced on social media, allegedly showing some participants raising “pro-freedom” slogans, further fueling tensions.
In response to the incident, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, Vinay Sharma, stated that the video is being analyzed by forensic experts to determine its authenticity. Legal action will be taken based on the findings. He also mentioned that during the protest demonstration, tricolours were seen raised high.
Earlier, six prominent Gujjar leaders issued a joint statement urging the central government to engage in “participative decisions on sensitive issues” that may impact intercommunity relations in the Union Territory. The leaders expressed deep concern and bewilderment over the widespread protests by the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe against the Union government and UT administration.
The J&K unit of the BJP responded to the statement, labeling it as “ridiculous, untimely, and misleading.” They questioned the basis of the objections raised, asserting that the government had clarified it was not reducing the 10 percent quota of Scheduled Tribes in any way. The BJP emphasized that the government is actively working for the improvement and welfare of all deserving backward areas and classes.
With upcoming panchayat, local body, and parliamentary elections, the situation remains politically charged, with differing narratives and interests at play. The matter is being closely watched by both local and national stakeholders, and the investigation will seek to clarify the authenticity of the video and address the underlying concerns that have sparked these protests.