Amid apprehensions over protests by Gujjars, Bakerwals, social media posts, mobile Internet suspended in region; NC asks why Omar was “not allowed” to go to Rajouri for party meeting
There is growing discontent among the Gujjars and Bakerwals over the Modi government's promise of ST status to Paharis, while the latter are angry over their long wait; the two can influence results in more than a dozen constituencies in Pir Panjal region.
Centre assures quota for Paharis and others over and above that for existing ST groups, but the Gujjars, Bakerwals fear that their affluence and proximity to BJP leaders could affect gains from recently announced nine ST-reserved Assembly seats.