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Gujjars kept off Pir Panjal

By Our Staff Reporter

Dharhal (Rajouri) May 25. The centuries-old nomadic lifestyle of the the Gujjar Community is seeing a transformation this summer, as the community is being kept away from the upper reaches of the Pir Panjal. The community is spread over the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir and inhabits the hills of Pir Panjal in large numbers.

Seasonal movement is the characteristic feature of the community, which moves to the hills during summer along with its cattle. But this summer is going to be different as its movements have been restricted for security reasons as the Army is continuing its operations to flush out militants in the region.

It is feared that the community members might fall victim to the exchange of fire between security forces and militants. When the community took up the matter with the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, he asked the Army to let the community move to the hills. But, the Chief of Army Staff, N.C. Vij, during his visit here, said the Chief Minister had agreed in principle with the Army not to allow movement of the Gujjars.

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