"Vision of a sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity will shape a brighter future of tribal community in Jammu Kashmir Union Territory," the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.
He said bringing Pahari tribal community to mainstream is commitment of the Centre and their empowerment will build a resilient and prosperous Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a gathering of the Pahari Tribal Community at Srinagar.
Sinha began his address by recalling the historic decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure Scheduled Tribe Status to Pahari Ethnic Groups.
He said empowerment of tribal communities is the top priority of the central government.
"There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Responding to the demands put-forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, Sinha said it will be ensured that Pahari Ethnic Groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.
The Lieutenant Governor urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.
“Some divisive elements are trying to peddle fake narrative like terror outfit TRF. It poses a serious threat and people must counter it,” he said.
On the occasion the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister; Zafar Iqbal Manhas, former MLC and Chairman, Pahari Welfare Society; Raja Aijaz Ali, Chairman, Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum, various Pahari leaders, prominent personalities and a large number of members from the Pahari tribal community and people from all walks of life were present.