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We protect our animals like kids: Gujjars

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 4/24/2017 12:27:52 AM

JAMMU, Apr 23: The Gujjar community today said they protect their animals like kids so “the cow protectors need not worry”, days after members of a nomadic family were beaten up as some people mistook them for cow smugglers in Reasi.
In a programme organised here to discuss ‘tribal seasonal migration issue’, Javaid Rahi, a noted tribal researcher said, “for centuries together, we the Gujjars- protect our animals like our kids so the cow protectors must need not to worry”.
Members of the nomadic Gujjar-Bakerwal tribes issued a joint appeal to the people of Jammu and adjoining districts to uphold the age-old traditions and tolerance towards nomads and their animals.
The appeal was issued by community leaders after two members of a nomadic family were beaten up by a group of people who mistook them for cow smugglers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Thursday.
“We appeal residents of Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi and Udhampur districts to be soft with nomadic tribes who are under migration towards upper reaches along with animals,” Rahi said.