'The Gujjars have bravely fought during 1965 and 1971 wars and today also they are fighting militancy and subversion in Jammu and Kashmir,' said Gandhi.
Lauding the role of Gujjars in defending the country's interests during wars and militancy, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today assured them that the Centre would initiate schemes for uplift of the nomadic community.
"The Gujjars have bravely fought during 1965 and 1971 wars and today also they are fighting militancy and subversion in Jammu and Kashmir," Gandhi said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating Gujjar Centre for Culture and Heritage at Channi Himat here this afternoon.
She said that the relationship between Congress and Gujjars dates back to the days of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first prime minister of the country, who had great concern for the community.
"I know Gujjars are poor and backward and they have not made much headway in education," Gandhi said, adding that she was happy to see that Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust has been trying to provide education to the children of the nomadic community.
The AICC president said that the Centre would also provide schemes for the uplift of the Gujjar community.
Gandhi asked the members of Gujjar community to train their youth in different streams of science and technology.
"I wish them to take up such education so that they can contribute to the country's development," she said, adding that she was also concerned about the status of women's health in the community.
Expressing hope that the newly-inaugurated centre will help in preserving and promoting the culture of the community, Gandhi promised to provide help to the members of the trust in such ventures.
Gandhi, who arrived this morning fron New Delhi, was received at the airport by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and state Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saif-uddin-Soz amid tight security arrangements.
She is accompanied by Union minister for health and medical education Ghulam Nabi Azad and AICC general secretary
Incharge of Jammu and Kashmir Prithvi Raj Chouhan.
Addressing the gathering, chief minister Omar Abdullah
said the government had re-started mobile schools so that the
the children could benefit from the reservation provided to
the community.
"Since Gujjars do not stay at one place and keep moving, they are unable to get proper education," he said.
Referring to Kashmiri youth Shah Faesal, who topped the Civil Services exam despite facing all odds, the chief minister advised the community to encourage the children to take up education and assured them of all necessary facilities.
Union minister Azad underscored the need to promote culture, language and heritage of various religious and ethnic groups as the country moves towards economic progress.
"Our greatest treasure is not the material wealth but the composite culture of different groups," the former J-K chief minister said, adding, "We have to strengthen them in order to strengthen the country".
Referring to reservation for Gujjars, he said it has helped them in different fields in Jammu and Kashmir.
PCC president Saifuddin Soz said the UPA chairperson was committed to ensuring social justice for all communities in the country.
Union minister for new and renewable energy Farooq Abdullah said the community should fight for its rights.
He said Gandhi's gesture to inaugurate the tribal cultural centre has not only encouraged the Gujjars in J-K but also members of the community living in other parts of the country.
Chairman of the Trust Masud A Choudhary sought setting up of Gujjar Scouts on the pattern of Ladakh Scouts in the state.
The trust is a non-political voluntary organisation established in 1992 by some social activists to take steps to uplift the Gujjars and other under-privileged sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir.
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