Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 22: Cautioning the Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir of the attempt of some particular groups mainly active in Poonch, Rajouri districts and Uri, Karanah tehsils to divide the community on small ethnic lines -the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) -a frontal organization today appealed the tribe to remain united on all fronts and give a befitting reply to disintegrating forces.
Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Tribal Foundation while addressing a meeting of community members here stated that some people in border areas of the State are bent upon to segregate the vibrant Gujjar identity into two parts which is highly condemnable and deeply intolerable. He said that Gujjars and Bakerwals are one tribe popularly known as Gujjars or Gurjars in South Asia.
He said Gujjars have many names like Ajjadh, Dhangar, Dohdhi, Vanvasi and added that those Gujjars who rear “goats” are called Bakerwals-as word Bakarwal is derived from the term, Bakri/Bakar meaning “goat/sheep”, and Wal meaning “one who takes care of” therefore this name was given to those Gujjars who are rearing goats and sheeps.
The speakers on the occasion said Gujjars and Bakerwals share same history, culture, language and racial identity. Even all anthropological and genetic studies conducted on Gujjars-Bakerwals say that they are not separate identities in any ways, he added.
Speakers on the occasion said in 1991 the Gujjars-Bakerwals were granted Tribal status in Jammu and Kashmir and a study was conducted by Union Government of India before granting the Scheduled Tribe status to them. The study reveals that Bakerwal is another name of Gujjars entered in revenue records that’s why both the names (Gujjars and Bakerwals) were included while the community was enlisted in tribal category in Indian constitutions, they added.
“The Bakerwals belong to the same ethnicity stock as the Gujjars, and inter-marriages freely take place among them”, said the speakers and added that there are a number of examples where one brother’s name was entered in revenue record as Bakerwal and other’s as Gujjar.
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