26-12-2021: Shamsher Hakla Poonchi Prominent Gujjar Leader and intellectual of J&K in a press release said that the Problems and needs of Gujjar Bakarwals, Gaddi, Sippi, Shin ( Shina ) or are quite different from other communities of the J&K. Language and culture of Gujjar Bakarwal, Gaddi, Sippi & Shin (Shina) (Schedule Tribe community) is also different than those of other communities of the J&K that is why these communities have their own peculiar position and a distinct identity. Gujjar Bakarwal Gaddi, Sippi & Shin ( Shina) tribe of J&K are economically, socially, educationally, and politically backward.
The Prominent Gujjar leader and an intellectual of J&K appealed to Sh. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to form a women commission for Schedule Tribe women in J&K U.T so that the problems and difficulties of Gujjar Bakarwal, Gaddi, Sippi, and Shin (Shina) women can be resolved with concrete steps as Gujjar Bakarwal, Gaddi, Sippi, and Shin (Shina) women of J&K belonging to Schedule Tribe who are facing problems and difficulties can get their problems resolved with the help of this women commission.
He said that the literacy rate among Gujjar and Bakarwal women in J&K is very low and concerted efforts need to be taken in this regard by the government. He said the Beti-Bachao and Bati padhao slogan of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modi be implemented in letter and spirit in Gujjar and Bakarwal Bastis as even after 75 years of independence majority of the women folk among the community have been deprived of this facility due to lack of proper arrangements of schooling in their localities.
Hakla also made an appeal to Govt. Of India to sanction special package for educational, social, economical welfare and upliftment of Gujjar Bakarwal women of J&K.
Hakla said that the previous J&K Govt.s have always neglected the steps that should have been taken for the welfare and upliftment of Scheduled Tribe women of J&K due to which they are lagging behind in many spheres. Now after the abrogation of article 370 we are hopeful that the Union Government of India will take concrete steps for Gujjar Bakarwal, Gaddi, Sippi, Shin (Shina) women of the Scheduled Tribe community of J&K so that they can step ahead in every sphere of life and achieve success.