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Published: 12 April 2015

JAMMU:  The Gujjars and Bakerwals nomadic tribes have begun their bi-annual seasonal migration towards  upper reaches of Shivalik, Pirpanjal and Trikuta Hills of  north western  Himalayas on schedule dates due raise in the daily temperature in plane areas of Jammu. The tradition of seasonal Tribal migration is surviving  since centuries and nomadic tribes mainly Gujjar and Bakerwal people migrates to their summer destinations  in the first and  week of  April every year and reaches to their fixed areas after 40 to 45 days of travel said Dr. Javaid Rahi Secretary , Tribal Research And Cultural Foundation-an organization working on different aspect of Gujjars.

 A handout by 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, Health Facilities on migration routes. Dr. Javaid Rahi  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 and rain during last winter and required immdaite  urgent repairs.

 While interacting with migratory nomads Secretary TRCF 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 number of letters to Defence Ministry through   Foundation and  pleaded to revoke all orders restricting nomads to migrate seasonally in the state especially border Dhoks located in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ladakh and Kargil areas ” said Dr. Rahi and added that we urged for free movement of all migratory communities towards upper reaches who crossed different areas which are under Security forces control’  .

All such order needs which restrict tribal migration needed  immediate revocation as the Gujjars and Bakerwals suffered a great loss to their lifestyle, economy and tribal culture.” Said TRCF’s handout.
“Due to restriction in Tribal movement in several areas the Gujjars–Bakerwals are facing extreme adversities, toughest lifestyle, lack economic freedom owing to deficiency of resources so they (Tribal) deserve special attentions of state and Central governments,” the foundation communiqué reads. The Gujjars constituted more than 20 per cent population of the State and around 6 lakh people  who are nomadic  moves after every 6 months with their livestock and undertake tribal sessional migration.