Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 31: Reacting over press statements issued by Shiv Sena (Bala Ji Sahib Thackery), Jammu and District Congress Committee (DCC) Samba against tribal community and an incident which took place in Rajouri whereby some Gau Rakhshaks ruthlessly beat up a 70-year-old nomad, the Gujjar community members today asked Jammuties to understand their lifestyle, livelihood and be tolerant towards their community and animals.
In a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation to discuss ‘latest issues of tribal community’, the speakers said nomads are already in trouble due to tremendous pressures on them. They are looking for help from all quarters purely on humanitarian grounds, to run their livelihood, the speakers added.
The programme was presided over by noted tribal researcher, Dr Javaid Rahi and attended by tribal elders.
Dr Javaid Rahi in his address stated that Gujjars being resident of State owe all right to move in and settle in any part of the State lawfully. He said people must understand our nomadic way of life and livelihood broadly based on animal rearing which requires a lot of resources to put in, to run the daily affairs. He appealed Jammuties to be tolerant towards tribal. He also pleaded that Forest Right Act-2006 be extended to J&K to rehabilitate nomads like other State rehabilitated.
Among others who spoke include Wali Mohammad Chouhan, Ali Mohammad, Zaffar-Ullah, Ahsan Chowdhary and Wali Choudhary.
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