Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 7: Heavy loss of precious lives and properties, lack of basic education, health and communication facilities and restriction on nomadic movement in upper reaches of Himalayan region by security forces were causing devastating impact on tribal life and economy of Gujjars and Bakerwals.
This was revealed by Dr Javaid Rahi, national secretary, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), while releasing its survey-cum-research.
Dr Rahi said that more than 39 per cent Gujjars have relinquished their nomadic lifestyle, adding that in 2009, decline ratio was 37 per cent.
He said that the main reason of declining in tribal movement is the killing of hundreds of nomadic Gujjars on upper reaches in the turmoil. Another reason is the restrictions imposed by the security agencies and militants on tribal migration, he added.
Gujjars who lead a lonely and tough life in the high-altitude meadows of the Himalayas and the Pir-Panjal are gradually settling down permanently in plain area, Dr Rahi added.
He said that besides J&K, the nomadic Gujjars of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pardesh are also facing identical problems.
Dr Rahi suggested that Government should formulate a plan to protect their nomadic identity and also to formulate disaster management policy for them.
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