Gujjars on hunger strike against alleged embezzlement of funds

Members of Gujjar and Bakkerwal communities today sat on a 24-hour hunger strike outside the Raj Bhawan to protest against alleged embezzlement of funds in schemes meant for their welfare.
The protesters gathered under the banner of Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha (BGM) in front of the Governor's residence.
Addressing the protesters, BGM president Ehsfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal alleged that due to misappropriation of funds since 1991, the Gujjar and Bakkerwal communities were still backward and deprived of basic amenities.
"We have chosen this day as these people are left with no option but to take the path of agitation to draw the attention of the government," he said and added, "These communities were granted ST status way back in 1991 but so far despite many welfare schemes, these communities are still backward".

He demanded that a high-level commission under a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge be constituted to probe alleged misappropriation of funds and the guilty be brought to book.
He said that such protests will continue in all districts of the state. "In Poonch, we will observe 48-hour hunger strike on January 13," he said.