Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 30: The Chopan Welfare Association and J&K RTI Movement today urged the authorities to allow the seasonal migration of community members to the highland pastures of Kashmir.
In a statement issued here, the association said that seasonal migration to the pasturelands of Kashmir, particularly in the Pir Panjal mountain range, is currently being restricted by the authorities.
“This is severely impacting the livelihood of local Chopans, as farming activity has already commenced in the plains, and the prevailing warm weather conditions are unsuitable for livestock, especially sheep,” the statement read.
The association noted that the Chopan community is landless and relies on sheep rearing for their livelihood, with the livestock owned by farmers.
“We urge the intervention of LG Manoj Sinha, former CM Omar Abdullah, and GOC Chinar Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava on this issue. If Chopans are not allowed to migrate seasonally, they will not receive their wages-particularly those heading to Toshamaidan, Danidaar, Pehjan, Chaskaninar, Ashtar, Liddermud, Bargah, and other meadows,” the association added.
Chairman of the RTI Movement, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, also appealed to the authorities to take serious note of the issue and permit the movement of Chopans to the upper reaches of Kashmir, especially the Pir Panjal mountains in Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla districts.
“If Chopans are not allowed to access the pasturelands, farmers will withhold their wages, which would devastate the livelihoods of this disadvantaged community,” he said.
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