Jammu, December 18 (Scoop News)-The Pahari Core Committee (Erstwhile Doda) has renewed its strong demand for official recognition of Pahari ethnicity, a Pahari ethnic census, and institutional protection of indigenous Pahari languages across the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban.
The Committee stated that Pahari identity is historically and culturally rooted in a distinct transhumant lifestyle, wherein Pahari communities traditionally migrated seasonally to dhoks (highland pastures) along with cattle and sheep. This centuries-old pastoral practice, still prevalent in many parts of the Chenab Valley, constitutes a defining marker of Pahari ethnicity and must be recognised as such in official classification and policy frameworks.
Referring to documented linguistic and administrative records, the Committee emphasised that local indigenous languages such as Bhaderwahi, Bhalesi, Padri, Sarazi, Pogali, Kishtwari and related dialects spoken in the Chenab Valley belong to the Western Pahari group of Indo-Aryan languages. This classification has been consistently supported by linguistic scholarship, regional research bodies, and media reports, including findings of research.
The Committee also cited the district-level meeting on local Pahari dialects held at Doda on 18 August 2021, officially hosted by the District Administration Doda, where it was recommended that all major indigenous dialects of the erstwhile Doda district be recognised as part of the Pahari language group. These recommendations were formally forwarded to the Union Territory administration, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKCAAL).
Expressing concern over discrepancies in official data, the Committee pointed out that despite the 2011 Census of India recording significant speakers of indigenous Chenab Valley languages, certain official surveys of Pahari Advisory Board have shown zero Pahari population in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, which has resulted in systematic exclusion from welfare schemes and policy benefits which is contrary to the Linguistic survey of India.
In view of the above, the Pahari Core Committee (Erstwhile Doda) strongly demands Conduct of a Pahari ethnic census in Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban.Official recognition of Pahari ethnicity based on historical, cultural, and pastoral traditions, Recognition of Chenab Valley languages as Western Pahari languages in all official records, Amendment of reservation rules to ensure inclusion of Pahari-speaking people, Educational, economic, and cultural safeguards, including scholarships, hostels, and language promotion, Publication of textbooks and literature in indigenous Pahari dialects and their inclusion in academic and cultural institutions.
The Committee Patrons AM Bichoo, Abdul Khalid, Dr Javed Katoch, Sadaket Malik and others reiterated that language, ethnicity, and traditional livelihood are inseparable, and safeguarding Pahari identity is essential for social justice, cultural survival, and inclusive development in the Chenab region. It urged the Government to take immediate, concrete steps in alignment with constitutional values and international commitments such as UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032). Others who raised include AM Bichoo, Abdul Khalid, Dr Javed Katoch Sadaket Malik President, Sh. Shiv Narayan Singh Chib – Secretary Sh. Bihari Lal Bhushan Sarazi – Spokesperson Dr. Ravi Parihar – Research Coordinator Sh. Muzaffar Katoch – Chief Spokesperson Sh. Rajat Bhaderwahi – Spokesperson Sh. Sulinder Parihar – Media Coordinator Sh. Uttam Singh Rahi (Sarazi) – Spokesperson Sh. Zafar Pogali – Spokesperson Sh. Saqlain Pogali – Media Secretary Sh. Nazim Qazi – Legal Advisor.
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