Thousands of Gujjars and Bakerwals from across Jammu and Kashmir gathered at S.K Park in Srinagar to hold a Maha Panchayat (grand council) to demand that the government withdraw its proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to upper-caste (non-tribal) communities in the Union Territory.
The protesters, who included men, women, and children, carried placards and banners that read "No ST Status to Upper Castes," "Withdraw J&K ST Amendment Bill 2023," and "Tribals' Rights Are Our Rights."
Addressing the gathering, Gujjar leaderS said "The Constitution clearly defines who is a tribal and who is not. Upper castes are not tribals, and they do not deserve to be granted ST status."
They warned that the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities would launch a massive agitation across Jammu and Kashmir.
"We will not allow the government to dilute our reservation benefits. We will fight to protect our rights, no matter what."
Other Gujjar and Bakerwal leaders who spoke at the Maha Panchayat demanded that the government withdraw its proposal to grant ST status to upper castes.
The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have argued that the proposal is unconstitutional and that it will dilute their reservation benefits in education and employment.
The government has defended its proposal, saying that it is necessary to ensure that all tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir have equal opportunities for development. However, the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have rejected this argument, saying that the government is only trying to appease upper-caste communities in order to win their votes.
The Maha Panchayat on Sunday was the latest in a series of protests organized by the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities against the government's proposal.