Nomadic gujjars facing acture shortage of food, medicine

Srinagar, Aug 1 (UNI) The Nomadic Gujjars of five districts of Jammu region are facing acute shortage of essentials and medicine, because of the ongoing strike on Shri Amarnath Shrine Board land row.

Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a National Organization working on the issues of Gujjars in India, in letters to Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chairman Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (AYSS), Leela Karan, has requested them to intervene so that Gujjars get been essentials, including food and medicine.

The letters said that besides food and medicine, the nomadic gujjars have also been facing acute shortage of food for their livestock, because of ongoing land row which, they said, have turned into an unendings agitation.

Many nomadic families in Jammu and adjoining districts are without food stuffs for themselves and their livestock.

The two page letter appealed to help out the tribal Muslim Gujjars of Jammu, Riasi, Samba,Kathua and Udhampur, in the ongoing crises where Gujjars have been facing a number of hardships.

The foundation also expressed its apprehension that in case the agitation continues, the livestock of tribal Gujjars residing in Jammu region will be in danger and they may lose thousands of animals which are their only source of income and livelihood.

It is not only shortage of foodstuff, but also the stock of medicine, including life saving drugs which has put into danger the lives of old aged, women and children.

The letter appealed to majority community of Jammu to allow essential commodities, including food and medicines in nomadic area where Muslim Gujjars are residing.

It also appealed to government and NGOs to come to the rescue of tribals in Jammu.

The National secretary, tribal foundation, said that every possible assistance is being provided to nomadic Gujjars, but they are not been allowed in many areas to carry on their relief works.

UNI BAS ASM ATI RK1708