"Vision of a sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity will shape a brighter future of tribal community in Jammu Kashmir Union Territory," the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha said earlier today. 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 Pahari Tribal Community at Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor began his address by recalling historic decision by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to ensure Scheduled Tribe Status to Pahari Ethnic Groups. The Lieutenant Governor said that 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, the Lieutenant Governor 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, the Lieutenant Governor said. 

On the occasion the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Shri Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister; Shri Zafar Iqbal Manhas, former MLC and Chairman, Pahari Welfare Society; Shri 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.