The Gujjar Bakarwal community of Jammu & Kashmir deserves a better deal. During the tribal attack of 1947 and in later wars with Pakistan, members of the community worked alongside the Indian security forces, writes SHAMSHER HAKlA POONCHI
The problems and the needs of the Gujjar Bakarwal community of Jammu & Kashmir are different from those of other communities. This difference is markedly in language and culture. On this and many other counts, the Gujjar Bakarwal community has its distinct identity.
This community mostly inhabits pastures on hilly areas within forests ranges and along the line of Control. Originating from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kathiawar, the Gujjars of J&K migrated to the far north in a hoary past owing to natural calamities. Rajatarangini mentions their presence around ninth century to 10th century across Kashmir’s north-western borders. After conversion to Islam, they split into two factions.
These people live in the lap of nature and by the side of mountain lakes on Pir Panchal. Pastures, where they graze their herds and flock are called bahak, in their dialect, which is a mix of Punjabi, Pahari and Sanskrit/Hindi. The pastures are unique and breath-taking and for generation after generation, have remained the home of this migratory community. They are fully acquainted with the mesmerising topography of these mountain and their pasture, forests and gorges, where they raise their cattle, families and progeny — far from the madding crowd. On these pastures they are born and brought up, and spend the life and pass away. Panjtari and Sari Mastan are the most popular pastures among the scores known to the Gujjars Bakarwals.
Historically speaking, the history of Kashmir is more the history of Pir Panchal than the valley itself. In medieval times, the strategic importance of Pir Panchal was immense to the warlords on both sides. A Kashmiri war lord called Damara chief, would seek protection across Pir Panchal if he was defeated in a battle with his rivals in the valley. On the southern side of the Pir, he re-assembled his men and carried a counter-attack to regain supremacy in Kashmir.
On April 19, 1991, through an Ordinance, the Government of India announced the inclusion of Gujjars and Bakawals among scheduled tribes. Despite a lapse of 25 years, the State Government of Jammu & Kashmir has not implemented it in letter and in spirit to give the full benefit of Scheduled Tribe status to the community. Past State Governments have deliberately obstructed efforts of the Centre for the development of the community. This discriminatory attitude has thrust the community into political, social, economical and educational backwardness.
Keeping in view the aforementioned circumstances, a separate geographical entity to be called ‘Gujjarsthan’ must be created. The Constitution does provide for reorganisation of a federating State; the creation of Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh is a good example.
Only then their economic, educational, political and social backwardness could be removed and they will be done justice. It has to be asserted that patriotism of the community has been established by the post-independence history of our country and the State.
The community dwells along the loC. Once their geographical entity is established, they will be most effective in scuttling any effort by our enemy to cross the border clandestinely and indulge in sabotage, of the kind that has been happening now.
During the tribal attack of 1947, the community’s members worked hand in hand with Army and the security forces. In the process, many laid down their lives in the 1947, 1965 and 1971 wars. Besides, many Gujjars and Bakarwals were eliminated by terrorists during the ongoing insurgency. supporting the national cause.
Gujjarsthan is the region beginning with the southern mountain ranges of the State, making continuous series of ranges from Jawahar Tunnel towards Uri to the west. On its southern side, we have the districts of Poonch and Rajouri, including tehsils of Mahore and Gulab Garh of Reasi district and tehsil Gool of Ramban district. Towards its north and north-west, lie the valley of Kashmir and the Gujjar regions beyond. Between the parallel ranges of these mountains, there are narrow valleys and gorges carrying in their laps, streams and nullahs of pure cold water from the snowy peaks of the mountains. Among the high places of the range are Tata Kootian, Neel Kanth, Keeran, Haji Pir, Ganga Choti and Atoli Pir. The Pir Panchal carries a number of passes connecting Kashmir valley with the northern and north-western areas of Poonch and Rajouri.
Thus, historically, geographically, linguistically, culturally and topographically, this is a region which deserves to be given its identity as a territorial unit with fullest autonomous status as ‘Gujjarsathan’. It is the only way for its backwardness to be addressed. Then, the region will truly become part of the national developmental programme of the Government of India.
(The writer is a resident of Poonch district living close to the loC, and a Gujjar leader)