Jammu and Kashmir's Bakarwal tribe think terrorism is decreasing in Poonch

Srinagar, Oct. 12 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir's Bakarwal tribe, which live a nomadic life, rearing sheep and goats, thinks that Poonch district is comparatively peaceful.

"Earlier, we were living under very harsh conditions. The militants had made our lives hell due to which we suffered huge losses. But now, by god's grace, peace is returning to the region," claimed Mohammad Taj, a Bakarwal.

"The militants took our goats and food items like 'ghee' and butter. We used to live in fear; it was very dangerous for us, especially the girls, both in the barracks and outside, day and night, " said Reshma, a Bakarwal.

She says the situation has improved a lot and they are free to roam about in the region.

Every year, they take their sheep high into the mountains, above the tree line to graze in the lush meadows. It takes them amost sixty days to reach these meadows.

During the summer, they move from one meadow to the next.

They generally travel in pairs, but sometimes they go alone or in larger groups depending upon the number of sheep and goats to be taken care of. (ANI)