Jammu, 16 April (H.S.): The Displaced Persons (DPs) from Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) today staged a protest demonstration, demanding ST-2 status for the displaced Pahari families, settled in various parts of Jammu region.

A large number of displaced persons, belonging to Pahari ethnic groups, assembled near Tawi bridge here today and held protest for some time. They were demanding Scheduled Tribe-2 status for the displaced persons settled in Jammu and other parts of the region.

They were carrying National flag and placards in hands projecting demands. Several DP members addressed the gathering and said that they also belong to Pahari ethnic group but were settled by the Government in Jammu, Akhnoor, R S Pura, Bishnah, Ramgarh, Samba, Kathua and other parts of the region.

They further said that depriving them of the benefit of ST-2 status is grave injustice with these families who were the then settled outside Rajouri and Poonch without their consent. They equally deserve the same treatment and status which was accorded to the families in Rajouri and Poonch. Their children should also be issued ST-certificates as being provided to the families in Rajouri and Poonch. They should also be covered under ST-2 Status after verifying their records and their ancestors/ clan identity, they added.

They held protest for several hours and dispersed, cautioning the Government to provide them justice otherwise they will be forced to intensify their agitation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar