Will uplift, empower Gujjars & Bakarwals: Azad

Srinagar, May 22: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have been facing exploitation at the hands of regional parties.
Addressing a gathering of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Muskhud Devsar Azad asserted, “The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have consistently been used as a vote bank by regional parties, without receiving genuine support or development. These communities have borne the brunt of militancy and violence and continue to live in poverty without proper facilities.”
He said there is a need for change and promised that, if elected to power, his administration would prioritise the upliftment and development of these marginalised communities. “I pledge to ensure that the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities are given the opportunities and resources they deserve to improve their quality of life,” he said.
The DPAP chief condemned a senior leader from the National Conference (NC) for allegedly defaming the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities by accusing them of accepting money to cast votes. “The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have always upheld their principles and integrity. They have faced bullets but have never sold their soul for votes,” he asserted.
Azad slammed the regional parties for using religion to get votes. He said, “We must not involve religion in politics. Our focus should be on selecting leaders who can raise the voice of the people in parliament.”
The former union minister said his return to state politics is driven by his dedication to the welfare of the underprivileged communities, particularly the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. “I have always prioritised the needs of the poor and marginalised. During my previous tenure, I ensured the distribution of free land to the poor, especially benefiting the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities. Unfortunately, the current government has reversed these gains and taken back the land from these deserving people,” he said.
The former chief minister announced his intention to reinstate the Roshni Scheme if given the mandate to form the government. In addressing recent government actions, he pointed out that his party was at the forefront of resisting the land eviction orders.
Azad said his party will introduce a comprehensive land and job protection law for Jammu and Kashmir. This law aims to safeguard the rights of the local population by restricting outsiders from applying for jobs and purchasing land in the region.
“Our property and our jobs should be reserved for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. There is no justification for outsiders to come and take our share. Such protective laws exist in many states across India. Why should Jammu and Kashmir be treated any differently?” he asked.