Srinagar: Social and political leader, and senior member of the Pahari community, Altaf Salim Khan has expressed concerns over the membership of Dr. Sajad Shafi, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Uri, in the subcommittee on the reservation policy, and has demanded his resignation. Khan stated that if the MLA considers himself to be from the Pahari community, he should prove his affiliation by resigning from his position, as he is currently associated with the National Conference. Altaf Salim Khan revealed that by making Dr. Sajad Shafi a member of this committee, he has been set up to carry out the destruction of the Pahari people, and he is a part of this National Conference conspiracy. The National Conference aims to strip the Pahari community of their rights by putting a gun to his shoulders. Khan also mentioned that Dr. Sajad Shafi’s silence on this issue is a move to please the leaders of the National Conference.
Altaf Salim Khan further criticized the MLA, stating that he has never supported granting ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to the people, but now, instead of supporting the public, he is siding with the National Conference and undermining the Pahari community. Khan demanded that the MLA resign from his post, emphasizing that the implementation of the reservation policy requires accountability to protect the rights of backward communities and to highlight the importance of listening to the voices of the public in political decisions.
He stated that the people of Uri elected Dr. Sajad Shafi, so he should resign from the party and stand with the people. Altaf Salim Khan warned that if there is any interference with the rights of the ST community, he would not hesitate to sacrifice his life by taking to the streets.
Khan stressed the importance of the reservation system, which aims to uplift historically disadvantaged sections of society. He mentioned that Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Backward Classes (EBC) benefit from reservations in education, government jobs, promotions, and legislative bodies. The purpose of this policy is to provide opportunities for these communities to overcome historical injustices and social and economic barriers.
Khan further noted that the Pahari-speaking people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in border areas, face unique challenges. The longstanding demand for the Pahari community to be given Scheduled Tribe status and the additional benefits under the reservation policy has been widely recognized.
He concluded by saying that the reservation policy in the country has played a significant role in addressing inequality, promoting inclusion, and providing equal opportunities in various sectors such as education, employment, and politics(.CNS)
