A brewing tension in Kashmir over tribal caste quotas is escalating ahead of India's upcoming elections, as a new law granting tribal status to Paharis has stirred controversy. The move has irked the Gujjars and Bakarwals, leading to fears of losing their constitutional rights and exacerbating caste divisions in an already tense region. The introduction of quotas for Scheduled Tribes in 1991 had initially benefited the Gujjars, but the recent amendment to include Paharis has raised concerns about sharing benefits. Protests have erupted, demanding the repeal of the amendment, and the situation has added complexities to an already sensitive region.

The Paharis, constituting about 8 percent of the region's population, were granted tribal status through the recent legal amendment, causing tensions with the Gujjars and Bakarwals, who claim the BJP government is trying to gain political favor ahead of the elections. The 2019 abolition of the region's special status by the BJP heightened suspicions among tribal communities. The move to include Paharis in the ST category has fueled accusations of political manipulation, with critics arguing that it could impact the BJP's election strategy by securing reserved seats in the legislature.

The Gujjars and Bakarwals, predominantly Muslim, allege that the BJP is attempting to sway the Paharis, who are Hindu and Sikh, to strengthen its Hindu vote bank in Jammu. Protests by tribal community groups are intensifying, and concerns are rising about potential repercussions on the national elections. Critics claim that the BJP's move is deepening caste divisions and creating discord between communities that have coexisted for centuries, further complicating the political landscape in Kashmir.

The BJP defends its decision, asserting that the reservation for Paharis is a long-overdue step to bring them into the mainstream. However, the Gujjars and Bakarwals argue that this move could jeopardize their social and economic empowerment opportunities. The BJP's attempt to secure votes in Kashmir by aligning with the Paharis is seen as a potential strategy to offset its struggles in the Muslim-majority region. 

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