Srinagar: Choudhary Imran Zaffar, a young political activist registered a thumping victory in the 2020 District Development Council(DDC) elections from Mendar’s Mankote constituency.
A notable figure in his area, he is now trying luck from Mendhar constituency where he will be pitting against political stalwarts including two-time MLA from National Conference Javed Ahmad Rana.
What motivated Zaffar to contest against the seniors is the trust he gained from people during the last four years. “Being a youth, people developed a kind of connection with me. I worked tirelessly and they saw a ray of hope in me,” he said.
Mendhar constituency of Poonch in Jammu division is dominated by Gujjars and Bakarwals mostly.
With a motive to resolve the burning issues confronted by the people from his constituency, Zaffar is contesting the assembly election with a slogan of empowering various communities of his constituency.
“There are so many issues being confronted by the people of Mendhar constituency. Roads, electricity, and drinking water are some of the main issues. Gujjars and Bakarwals too have some concerns, which need to be resolved. The previous leaders have done least for the upliftment of the people of this constituency,” he said.
Traditionally marginalized and underrepresented in the political arena, these nomadic tribal groups are now witnessing a rise in youth leadership.
A new breed of educated and articulate youth leaders from these communities is working for the rights, development, and integration of their people into the broader socio-political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
Guftar Ahmed Choudhary, who is representing PDP from Budhal constituency of Rajouri district, said there is a need for change in politics to help tribal communities.
“We need to end traditional politics. Only youth can understand the issue faced by society and solve it on modern lines. Gujjar and Bakarwals need a leader who has an idea of modern politics,” he said.
Choudhary said youth of the community need to come forward to raise their voices. “The census has not been done properly for Gujjars and Bakarwals. The community usually migrates and faces education-related problems. Unemployment is equally affecting this community. So, it is youth which can bring a change in the community, ” he said.
