MP Khatana raises issues of tribals with Home Minister

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital, flagging a series of issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on what he termed the growing alienation of tribal communities.

Referring to the recent killing of a tribal youth in police cross fire in Jammu, Khatana underlined their longstanding role in countering insurgency and protecting the territorial integrity of the region. He said their sacrifices were well recognised by senior police officials in the Union Territory and urged that the community be accorded due protection, inclusion and encouragement.

The MP also drew attention to the closure of several tourist spots in J&K following the Pahalgam terror attack, noting that the decline in tourist arrivals had left many local homestay owners in financial distress. He also asked for direction to the J&K government to fully implement Central schemes so that the benefits of welfare programmes could reach the intended sections of society.