JAMMU: The Chenab Times Foundation (CTF) on Tuesday praised Jammu and Kashmir MLA Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, for his “tireless efforts” to safeguard the linguistic heritage and tribal rights of Chenab Valley communities, particularly through his advocacy for the preservation of local dialects and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for marginalized groups.
In a series of posts on X, CTF President Anzer Ayoob hailed Shaheen’s recent Assembly intervention, where he raised concerns about the inclusion of Chenabi dialects—such as Sarazi, Bhaderwahi, Khasha (Pogli), and Gaddi—spoken in districts like Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, and Kathua, within the ambit of Pahari languages. “I applaud @sajjadshaheen’s tireless efforts in raising the vital issue of Chenabi dialects—Sarazi, Bhaderwahi, Khasha, Gaddi—in the Chenab Valley. His voice preserves our linguistic heritage, a treasure of Jammu & Kashmir,” Ayoob said in a post late Monday. Shaheen shared the assembly questions on X on March 17, 2025, addressing these issues through a starred Assembly Question (A.Q. No. 809).
https://x.com/CTFTOrg/status/1901798995929817200?t=e983lQ4u7Dpc8ika11Vy5w&s=19
The government’s response, documented in an official reply signed by the Under Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, confirms the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on December 10, 2024, to review grievances over reservation rules. The committee is tasked with submitting its report within six months. The reply also acknowledges amendments to the Reservation Act vide S.O-176 of 2024, granting ST status to the Pahari Ethnic Group through the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Act, 2024. To qualify for ST benefits, individuals must be part of the Pahari Clan, speak Pahari, and provide identification like Aadhaar or Voter ID, certified by Tehsildars.
However, Shaheen highlighted the exclusion of economically and educationally marginalized groups in erstwhile Doda District, including those speaking Sarazi, Bhaderwahi, and Khasha dialects, from reservation quotas. The government stated a committee is currently reviewing these issues, with a report due within six months.
CTF’s support underscores Shaheen’s role in advocating for Chenab Valley, Ayoob said in a follow-up post: “@sajjadshaheen’s advocacy for ST status for hilly communities is a beacon of justice.” Yet, the policy has sparked opposition from other tribal groups. As per The Indian Express (August 2, 2023), the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, represented by the Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Coordination Committee, have protested, arguing it undermines their socio-economic benefits. Scroll.in (February 15, 2024) quoted Gujjar leader Zahid Choudhary, who said, “They are landowners and belong to the upper castes,” referring to Paharis. Additionally, The Indian Express (October 23, 2022) reported Javaid Rahi, founder secretary-general of the Tribal Research Foundation, warning that granting ST status based solely on ethnicity—without considering socio-economic and literacy factors—could open a “Pandora’s box,” leading other ethnic groups in Kashmir and Jammu, such as Kashmiris and Dogras, to demand similar reservations.
The move comes amid ongoing debates over reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir, as per reports. Meanwhile, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) classifies most Western Pahari languages, including those in Chenab Valley, as endangered, lending urgency to Shaheen’s efforts. CTF’s endorsement reflects broader regional calls to preserve Chenab Valley’s cultural and linguistic heritage while addressing equity for its people.
