Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: As Gujjars and Bakerwals nomadic tribes have begun their bi-annual seasonal migration to the upper reaches of Shivalik, Pir Panchal and Trikuta Hills of the Himalayas due to unusual rise in the daily temperature in the northern States, including Jammu and Kashmir, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), an organization working for the Gujjars has pleaded the Government to revoke all orders restricting nomads to migrate seasonally in the State.
According to a handout issued by the Foundation, it has impressed upon various organisations working for tribals in the State to mobilise resources for providing necessary logistics to migratory tribes and has urged the Government and Defence Ministry for free movement of all migratory communities to the areas belonging to them since centuries.
Dr Javaid Rahi, secretary, TRCF, said 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 last winter and were in need of urgent repairs.
He said that the foundation had appealed to the relevant agencies to undertake early repairs to these traditional routes.
While interacting with migratory nomads, Dr Rahi, informed that the matter regarding restoration of all restricted pasture and dhoks located near Indo-Pak border and in Ladakh areas of Jammu and Kashmir to Gujjar and Bakerwals was taken with the Defence Ministry.
“We have written a letter to Defence Minister of India, A K Antony, through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation and pleaded to revoke all orders restricting nomads to migrate seasonally in the State”, said Dr Rahi.
“We have also sent a list of dhoks, pasture and areas restricted for nomads to Defence Minister with a copy to Northern Command,” said Dr Rahi.
“Due to restriction in Tribal movement in several areas the Gujjar-Bakerwals are facing extreme adversities and toughest lifestyle owing to deficiency of resources so they deserve special attention of the State and Central Governments,” the letter reads.
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