Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 13: Amidst the rise in COVID-19 cases in J&K, Gujjar-Bakerwal nomads have started downward migration to plains of Jammu and Punjab along with their livestock from the mountainous tracks of north-western Himalayas.
They migrated to upper reach in April this year.
Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, an organization of these nomadic communities organized a meeting of representative of these people which was presided over by Tribal Researcher, Dr. Javaid Rahi.
Speaking on the occasion Rahi said, this year, Gujjars and Bakerwals had to return from Shivalik, Pir Panjal and Zojela mountains ranges of Western Himalayas to plains earlier in view of restrictions of COVID-19 in J&K.
He urged upon the Government to facilitate their migration and issue direction to District Magistrates to help nomads carry forward their downward journey smoothly.
He advised the migrating nomads to follow social distancing and avoid all type of religious, cultural and social congregations and rituals to avert the spread of Coronavirus.
Rahi informed that letters have been sent to different Government functionaries regarding tribal migration.
Those who addressed in the meeting included Ishtiaq Ahmad Misbah, Freed Choudhary, Zulkar Chowdhary, Sadaqat Ali, Mohammad Did, Ali Choudhary others.
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