Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 11: Members of tribal Gujjar and Bakarwal communities here today demanded a compact programme to eradicate their poverty.
Speaking at a virtual meet organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, members of tribal Gujjar and Bakarwal community claimed that migratory tribes are facing poverty in view of COVID-19 lockdowns and deserve special attention by the authorities.
The meet was presided over by Tribal Scholar, Dr. Javaid Rahi who claimed that Gujjars and Bakarwals are facing numerous issues and are not in a position to migrate to other States for work.
He said due to cancellation of Amarnath Yatra, low arrival of Yatris at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the tribal horse owners are without any work.
“The nomadic groups, mainly Gujjars-Bakarwals in addition to food insecurity are facing scarcity of basic human needs like clean and fresh water, nutrition, healthcare, education, clothing and shelter because of their inability to afford them,” he said.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Ishtiaq Ahmed, Ghulam Rasool, Din Mohammad, Aleem ud Din Chowdhary, Dr. Irshad Ahmed, Nazir Ahmad Khatana and Warast Ali.
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