Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Alleging that the main migration routes of Gujjars and Bakerwals, including Jamiya Gali, Gora Batta, Nanansar, Ropadi Dharhal Pass and Mughal Road needs urgent repair, as they were badly damaged due to heavy snowfall last winter, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF), an organization working for the Gujjars, has appealed the relevant agencies to undertake early repairs to these traditional routes.
The organization has impressed upon various organizations working for tribals in the State to mobilize resources for providing necessary logistics to migratory tribes.
Regarding restoration of all restricted pasture and dhoks located near Indo-Pak border and in Ladakh areas to Gujjar and Bakerwals, secretary of the Foundation, Dr Javaid Rahi pleaded the Defence Ministry to revoke all orders restricting nomads to migrate seasonally in the State.
All such order needs immediate revocation as the Gujjars and Bakerwals suffer a great loss to their lifestyle, economy and tribal culture, Rahi added.
These tribes deserve special attentions of State and Central Government, he said, adding due to restriction in tribal movement in several areas the Gujjars–Bakerwals are facing extreme adversities, toughest lifestyle and lack of economic freedom owing to deficiency of resources.
The TRCF secretary also expressed concern over few weeks delay in ongoing bi-annual seasonal migration of Gujjars and Bakerwals nomadic tribes to the upper reaches of Shivalik, Pir Panchal and Trikuta Hills of north western Himalayas, which usually starts in fourth week of March or first week of April.
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