Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, Activist

A Leader of Sincerity and Dedication

Throughout history, leaders have emerged with diverse qualities, yet the mention of Late Choudhary Wazir Mohd Hakla evokes the image of a profoundly sincere, hardworking, and dedicated figure. Though belonging to the Gujjar community, he tirelessly advocated for the welfare of all regional communities. His legacy includes raising political awareness and educating remote populations about their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the nation.

Early Life and Background

• Birth: 14 March 1915
• Place: Village Bandichechian, Tehsil Haveli, District Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory
• Community: Muslim Gujjar

Choudhary Wazir Mohd Hakla emerged as a scholar, writer, philosopher, and intellectual of Jammu & Kashmir.

Social Contributions

He devoted himself to social work with dedication, sincerity, and honesty, focusing on the upliftment of the downtrodden and the poor strata of society. He especially raised issues concerning the Gujjar community in Jammu & Kashmir and beyond.

Key Contributions:

• Promoted communal harmony among different communities.
• Advocated for patriotism, secular character, and national integration.
• Wrote extensively on Gujjar history, culture, Gojri language, and the problems of the Gujjar–Bakarwal tribe.
• His writings were published in regional and national press.

Advocacy for Gujjar–Bakarwal Community

Choudhary Wazir Mohd Hakla worked tirelessly for the educational, social, political, and economic development of the Gujjar–Bakarwal community.

• Highlighted their difficulties before the government.
• Promoted the Gojri language.
• Pioneered the demand for Schedule Tribe (ST) status for Gujjars and Bakarwals in 1958.
• Initiated a movement that eventually led to Gujjars and Bakarwals being granted ST status.

Role in National Defence

• Played a vital role during Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971.
• Assisted the Indian Army during crises.
• Motivated the Muslim Gujjar–Bakarwal community to cooperate with the Army.
• Educated and guided his community to stand against Pakistani intruders during war.

Recognition and Legacy

In recognition of his extraordinary services, Gujjars of all faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Jain—honoured him with the title:

“WAZIR-UL-QAUM” (Leader of the Community)

This title was conferred at the All India Level Gujjar Samelan at Kotla Mubarakpur, New Delhi, on 7 January 1973.

• Date of Passing: 10 August 1977

Philatelic Tribute

The Department of Posts has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Wazir Mohd Hakla, honoring his immense contributions towards:

• Social upliftment,
• Communal harmony,
• National integration,
• Welfare of the Gujjar–Bakarwal community.