Srinagar, May 31: Scores of Gujjar and Bakerwal families have got trapped at different places in hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir due to inclement weather for past many days.
 A statement by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation said these families were trapped at Shivalik, Trikuta Zojila hills, and other places in mountain ranges of northern western Pir Panjal due to avalanches and landslides and were crying for rescue and relief operations.
 “Around three to five lakh Gujjars and Bakerwals are under migration which include women and children along with their livestock,” said the Foundation secretary, Javaid Rahi and appealed the centre and state government to immediately evacuate the trapped.
 He said Gujjars were facing acute shortage of medicines, food and fodder for their livestock.
 Meanwhile, an official statement said heavy rains and snowfall in the upper reaches has caught the Gujjar and Bakerwal families off guard and unprepared.
 Its said at least 2000 goats, 1000 sheep, 80 horses and 20 cattle had perished over the past few days due to inclement weather besides many people from the communities had fallen ill.
 “A joint party of the army and the civilian administration from Kishtwar was immediately swung into action and organized rescue and relief operations in the remote areas of Warwan. Another party was airlifted from Kishtwar to Warwan. The team carried along with itself sufficient quantities of medicines both for the deras as well as their livestock. The team would undertake simultaneous relief work Warwan and Navapachchi areas for the next four to five days,” the statement said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST