PRESS NEWSLETTER By Mohammad Anees Choudhary General Secretary, Rashtriya Lok Dal (Jammu & Kashmir Unit)

PRESS NEWSLETTER
By Mohammad Anees Choudhary
General Secretary, Rashtriya Lok Dal (Jammu & Kashmir Unit)

Subject: Urgent Appeal for Justice to Gujjar and Bakkarwal Communities in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir – It is deeply concerning and unacceptable that the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities, who are officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (ST), continue to face severe administrative discrimination and neglect in the region.

Despite their constitutional status, a large number of Gujjar and Bakkarwal families are being denied basic documentation such as domicile certificates, ration cards, and other essential identity documents. These documents are fundamental rights, not privileges, and are crucial for accessing government welfare schemes, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Disturbingly, members of these communities are repeatedly forced to visit government offices, only to return humiliated and unheard. Such treatment reflects a serious failure of the administrative system and raises questions about accountability and equality before law.

The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Jammu & Kashmir Unit, strongly condemns this injustice. We demand immediate action from the concerned authorities to:

- Ensure hassle-free issuance of domicile certificates to eligible individuals.
- Provide ration cards and other necessary documents without unnecessary delays or harassment.
- Establish special grievance cells to address the concerns of Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities.
- Hold responsible officials accountable for discriminatory practices.

We urge the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to take strict and immediate measures to uphold the dignity and rights of these marginalized communities. Justice delayed is justice denied.

The voices of the Gujjar and Bakkarwal people cannot and will not be ignored any longer.

Issued by:
Mohammad Anees Choudhary
General Secretary
Rashtriya Lok Dal (J&K Unit)

Date: 02/04/2026
Location: Jammu & Kashmir