Bakarwals Left in Lurch After Lockdown Delays Migration
Bakarwals, a nomadic tribe, walking to the green pastors of Kashmir valley with their sheep, is a tradition older than the Mughal dynasty. But, for the first time in their history, this journey has been delayed due to the nationwide lockdown imposed following the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Bakarwals’ annual migration which takes place in April was pushed to June this year, affecting their livelihood. Unable to move and feed the sheep, the Bakarwals say many of their sheep is undernourished this year, yielding them lesser profits.
The road taken by them, an 84km stretch road that connects Poonch district of Jammu to Kashmir’s Shopian district, starts from Bafliaz, a small town nestled under the mountains. The journey to the valley includes passing through the 11,500 feet high Pir Panjal mountain range. April was ideal for this travel.
As the lockdown was imposed, the government banned all travel including the movement of these nomads. When the movement was finally allowed in June, the screening has delayed their trip.
THE QUINT
