Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 25: The Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir today sought inclusion of all the migratory nomadic tribes in Below Poverty Line population and provide food security to them.
The community elders while participating in a programme organized by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, pleaded that the migratory tribes are facing tremendous problems and deserves special attention of State authorities. The programme was presided over by reputed Tribal Scholar Dr Javaid Rahi and a number of community members participated in it.
Dr Javaid Rahi, in his presidential address stated that the main issue of migratory nomads is that they have not approached any Government agency to include them in BPL list during the survey as they were under seasonal migration whenever the last BPL survey was held in the State. He also pleaded for a provision under NFSA on the prototype of United Nation’s World Food Programme run to combat malnutrition among sedentary and non sedentary groups to invest in human resources.
He said lakhs of nomadic tribes, mainly Gujjars- Bakerwal ,Gadii, Sippi and Changpa migrate annually along with their cattle to upper reached since centuries . They are not available at one place like other communities to take ration and other benefits. He called for an innovative scheme for nomads before implementing the Act.
Due to their wandering way of life, these tribes not only face food insecurity but also acute shortage of basic facilities, absolute illiteracy and lack of health facilities, the speakers said. The NFSA , if implemented with new approach ,in tribes, properly, will change their economy in next few years, speakers said.
Those who spoke on the occasion, included Rafi Saqi, G Rasool Chechi, Din Mohammad Chokar , Aleem ud Din Chowdhary,Dr. Irshad Ahmed, Nazir Ahmad Khatana, Warast Ali and others.
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