Why Jammu And Kashmir Nomads Are On A 500-km March
NDTV
They call it the 'Tribal Bachao' march (Save Tribals march) as Bakerwal and Gujjar tribals fear that the government's move to include upper castes in the scheduled tribe category will deprive them of their rights.
In Jammu and Kashmir, it's an unusual sight of nomads marching on roads without their herds. They are carrying placards and banners, shouting slogans for the protection of their identity and rights under the scheduled tribe status.
They call it the 'Tribal Bachao' march (Save Tribals march) as Gujjar-Bakerwal tribals fear that the government's move to include upper castes in the scheduled tribe category will deprive them of their rights in education and jobs.
They are also fearful that the inclusion of new groups may dilute their distinct identity.
At the onset of a harsh winter in Kashmir, nomads whose livelihood is rearing livestock have just completed their seasonal migration from the upper reaches of Kashmir Valley to the plains of Jammu. But many of them are back in the Valley despite heavy snowfall and cold conditions in the region.
