Gujjars, Bakerwals in J&K facing food shortage: Tribal organisation

A front organisation of tribals in Jammu and Kashmir today said that the nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals in the higher reaches of the state were facing shortage of food due to the ongoing unrest in the Valley and demanded that the government ensure the same for them.

The Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a front organisation of Gujjars in J&K, has written to the Centre and the state government for providing food, fodder and medicines to tribal Gujjars and Bakerwals and enabling them to sustain their way of life in the ongoing situation, secretary of the Tribal Foundation, Javaid Rahi, said.

In the wake of curfew and strikes in the Valley, the tribals at upper reaches of Pir Panjal and Zojila hills are facing shortage of essential commodities.

"The acute shortage of basic amenities in tribal areas has also forced the nomadic communities to start early migration towards the planes, two months ahead of their schedule," Rahi said.