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| Nomads turn back to their home green pastures in Bhaderwah | | |
Bhadarwah June 12
Gujjars and Bakarwals, nomad tribe who had preferred to go to Punjab and other northern states during the last decade and a half to escape militancy related violence are once again lured to the greens pastures in state with violence gradually coming down.
Post-1989, when separatist insurgency started in the region, militants occupied the hills and robbed the nomads of their livelihood. The militant menace forced most shepherds to stay away from the hills, give up their traditional means of livelihood and pick up other jobs or preferred to go either in Himachal or Punjab.
Since 2004, as India-Pakistan peace process gained momentum, violence ebbed in Kashmir and the nomads started returning to their homes.
Riyaz, a Gujjar nomad said, "We used to miss our land a lot. We wanted to come back, but the situation wasn't appropriate. The situation has improved since past two to three years. We have started coming back".
The nomads have also been easy prey for militants who demand milk, butter and meat from them and on occasions, they are caught in the crossfire between the security forces and the terrorists.
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