A group of Bakerwals have demanding compensation for over 150 sheep that were killed after a speeding car crashed into a herd over Abdullah Bridge earlier this month.
At least 24 sheep had died on the spot and many others fellinto Jhelum after the accident.
“We have already lost 151 sheep as of now and many areseverely injured. We were supposed to take them to Sonmarg like every year forgrazing but now we are stuck in Srinagar,” Said Mohammad Aslam Khatanas.
“The driver was let go on bail, we demand strict punishmentfor the driver, we are poor and these sheep are our only source of income.”
The protesting herdsmen comprised of five families said thatthey met officials from Srinagar district administration but so far nothing hasbeen done to compensate their loss.
“After losing 151 sheep, around 30 more are still injuredwhich are in bad shape, no one will buy them and they cannot walk either. Weare stuck in the middle of nowhere,” said Muhammad Sharif, adding that the lossamounted to Rs 10 lakhs.
A car speeding over Abdullah Bridge crushed 24 sheep todeath on June 7 and badly wounded many when a flock was being herded acrossJhelum by the Bakerwals.
Police seized the car arrested its driver before a case wasregistered for rash and negligent driving