Jammu, Aug 28: Seeking immediate intervention of Defence Minister, A K Antony, to restore all restricted pasture and dhoks located near Indo-Pak border and in Ladakh areas of Jammu and Kashmir to Gujjar and Bakerwals, the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation today pleaded to revoke all orders restricting nomads to migrate seasonally in the state.
In a letter addressed to Union Minister the Gujjar community urged free movement of all migratory communities to the areas belongs to them since centuries. 
Giving details, Foundation secretary, Dr Javaid Rahi said, “We wrote to Union Ministry of Defence to restore all pastures and dhoks bared for the tribes located on line of Control, Indo-Pakistan International Border and Ladakh areas since 1990 onwards.”
The letter reads: “In view of firing on Indo-Pak border and militancy, the armed forces in J&K had restricted the entry of Gujjars Bakerwals in few Dhoks and Pastures located near border in district like Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Kathua, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kargil and Leh Districts. All such order needs immediate revocation as the Gujjars and Bakerwals suffered a great loss to their lifestyle, economy and tribal culture.” 
The letter further reads, "Since November 25, 2003 when ceasefire come into force between India and Pakistan the tension has been reduced and now this is the right time to allow Tribals to move freely in their traditional areas located in Ladakh and on International border.”
“We have also sent a list of dhoks, pasture and areas restricted for nomads to Defence Minister with a copy to Northern Command,” said Dr. Rahi.
“Due to restriction in Tribal movement in several areas the Gujjars–Bakerwals are facing extreme adversities, toughest lifestyle, lack economic freedom owing to deficiency of resources so they (Tribals) deserve special attentions of state and Central governments,” the letter reads.

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