Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 27: A meeting of J&K Chopan Welfare Association (CWA) was held here today wherein several issues of Chopan community were discussed.
Speakers in the meeting urged upon the government to take immediate steps for controlling the spread of Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) which has taken a huge toll in many pasturelands of Kashmir particularly in Budgam district.
“In most highland pastures FMD has spread among flocks of sheep and goats which is a huge challenge for the shepherds, especially Chopans. This can cause huge losses to farmers and will lead to starvation of Chopans in coming months,” CWA publicity secretary, Ghulam Mohi Ud Din Chopan who presided over the meeting said.
He also took a strong notice of non-implementation of Forest Rights Act and Chopan community being denied the benefits of this.
He said that many Chopan families are not allowed to repair their old damaged temporary shelters and this is forcing these families to take shelter under plastic sheets and tarpaulins especially in Pulwama, Budgam, Shopian, Kupwara and Baramulla districts.
CWA also demanded that Chopan community be given Scheduled Tribe (ST) status as this is the long pending demand of the community.
“We have updated the Ministry of Tribal Affairs team in this regard during their Kashmir visit few months back and they have taken our issue seriously,” he maintained expressing optimism that their case might be decided on merit soon.
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