BJP trying to pitch Gujjars against Paharis, says PDP

PTI

Srinagar, October 2

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged on Sunday that the BJP is trying to pitch Gujjars against Paharis in the Jammu region and appealed to the communities to stand united to foil its designs.

“There is a lot of tension in the Pir Panjal region for the last few days since there is a talk of reservation to the Pahari community. Brothers have been turned into foes and they are baying for each other's blood. They are being made to fight against each other,” Mufti said. She was referring to reports of tension between the communities in the wake of claims in a section of the media that at a rally in Rajouri on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will announce reservation for the Pahari community in jobs and education.

Mufti said the Gujjars and the Paharis had lived together for centuries and should stop fighting against each other. “I request the Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari communities to stop fighting against each other.

“Home ministers will come and go. The BJP is there today, but won't be tomorrow. The animosity, the fissures that they develop (will remain).... All of you belong to one faith, you live in the same place,” she said.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the BJP first pitched Hindus and Muslims against one another and is now pitching Gujjars and Paharis against each other. “I request all of you to stop this,” she added.

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