Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 23: “Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu & Kashmir-In the shadows of Conflict”, a book written by Dr Kavita Suri and Deepshikha Hooda, was released today.
The book has been written on a wide ranging canvas and takes the holistic view of the socio economic, political challenges faced by Gujjars and Bakerwals in the Shivaliks during the period of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the authors have delineated the problems faced by the tribal community in terms of educational infrastructure.
Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof R D Sharma along with Lt Gen K H Singh, GOC 16 Corps and K Rajendra, Director General of J&K Police, released the book in presence of GOC-in-C Northern command Lt Gen D S Hooda, a galaxy of intellectuals, senior officers from Police, Army and prominent citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof R D Sharma appreciated the authors for their excellent work and said that it was very difficult to write a book on some topic, which has no available literature. He visited down the memory lane while highlighting the simplicity of this nomadic tribe and warmth in their relations with local populace in planes of Jammu.
Lt Gen K H Singh lauded the qualities of patriotism, politeness and generosity among the Gujjar Bakerwal tribe, which has been in forefront in joining hands with Army in performing duties in remote and hilly areas. He hoped that the book could be very insightful for Army and security forces to further understand these tribes in dealing with these communities better.
Acknowledging the spirit of bravery among the tribal community in J&K, DGP K Rajendra disclosed how a Gujjar cop volunteered himself as his Personal Security Officer (PSO) during his first posting in Kashmir Valley in early nineties when militancy was on peak and no one would prefer to be body guard of a Police officer.
While presenting a review of the book, writer and scholar Mahesh Kaul said that the book is sensitive towards the problems of the women and girls of the tribal community who are suffering immensely due to militancy and atrocities inflicted by the enemies of the nation who cross the borders to raise havoc. The book has also thrown light on the commendable job by Army in integrating these tribes by making them part and parcel of the security network, he said while listing the examples of VDCs in areas like Hill Kaka that witnessed operation Sarp Vinash.
Noted Gujjar scholar Dr Javed Rahi strongly recommended that the Central Government should think in terms of creating Gujjar and Bakerwal regiment as Gujjars have pan India presence and belong to various religious inclinations like Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. This book opens the new vistas for comprehensive research on the tribal community, which is found in 12 States of India, neighbouring Pakistan and Afghanistan also, he added.
Both the authors, Dr Kavita Suri-Associate Professor in the Department of Lifelong Learning, Jammu University and Deepshikha Hooda- an alumni of Asian College of Journalism and Cardiff University, also spoke about their experiences while working on this book. They also acknowledged the contribution of S N Acharya, Photo Officer in the Ministry of Defence for providing a great collection of photographs for the book.
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