Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 7: Expressing deep anguish over the heavy loss of livestock and other domestic animals of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals in the mountain ranges of Pir Panjal, Shivalik, Trikuta and Zojila hills, in north-western part of Indian Himalaya, due to unseasonal snowfall and heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir -the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) today appealed the State authorities for an immediate help to nomads stranded in J&K mountain ranges as they are facing actuate shortage of essentials to carry forward their life.
The Foundation stated that over three lakh to five lakh nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals including women and children along-with millions of livestock and other domestic animals are affected due to recent unusual weather conditions and added that due to odd temperature the tribals and their animals are at high risk as they are facing acute shortage of medicines, food, water, blankets and fodder for their livestock.
Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Tribal Foundation said Gujjars and Bakerwals, who moved to the upper reaches as a part of their seasonal tribal migration, in search for pastures for livestock, in first week of April got trapped at upper reaches of Pir Panjal, Doda, Anantnag, Kulgam and other areas due to heavy snowfall and rainstorm over the past few days.
He said a large number of livestock including sheep, goats, horses, shepherd dogs, buffalos, cows and others of Gujjars have reportedly perished in the hostile weather conditions prevailing in the Valley and other adjoining areas and urged for urgent steps for restorations of confidence among nomads through relief and rehabilitations.
“The main tribal migration routes including Jamiya Gali, Gora Batta, Nanansar, Ropadi Dharhal Pass and others were badly damaged due to heavy snowfall and needs an early repair for migratory nomads”, Dr Rahi said and impressed upon various organizations working for tribals in the State to mobilize resources for providing necessary logistics to the tribes.
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