Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: The Gujjar-Bakerwal nomadic tribes have begun their bi-annual seasonal migration towards upper reaches of Shivalik, Pirpanjal and Trikuta Hills of North Western Himalayas due to rise in the daily temperature in plane areas of Jammu region.
“The tradition of seasonal Tribal migration is surviving for centuries and nomadic tribes mainly Gujjar and Bakerwal people migrate to their summer destinations in April every year and reach to their fixed areas after 40 to 45 days of travel”, said Dr Javaid Rahi, a Gujjar Scholar while interacting with tribes in a programme organized by Tribal Research And Cultural Foundation.
The migratory tribal groups informed Dr Javaid Rahi that the main migration routes, including Jamiya Gali, Gora Batta, Nanansar, Ropadi Dharhal Pass, Mughal Road and others, were badly damaged due to heavy snowfall and rain during last winter and required immediate repairs.
Meanwhile, the Foundation has impressed upon various institutions working for tribal development in the State to mobilize resources for providing necessary logistics to migratory tribes like establishment of Mobile Animal Dispensaries and Health Facilities on migration routes.
While interacting with migratory nomads, senior functionaries of Tribal Foundation informed that the matter regarding restoration of all restricted pasture and Dhoks located near Indo-Pak border and in Ladakh areas of J&K to Gujjar and Bakerwals was taken up with the Defence Ministry.
“Due to restriction in Tribal movement in several areas the Gujjars–Bakerwals are facing extreme adversities, toughest lifestyle, lack of economic freedom owing to deficiency of resources so they (Tribal) deserve special attentions of State and Central Government,” the foundation members observed.
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