‘Soldiers without weapons’: Army reaches out to Gujjars, Bakerwals in Anantnag district

Srinagar, January 19

After Jammu, the Army in Kashmir has initiated a programme to reach out to Gujjars and Bakerwals, saying it was a way to “strengthen ties and foster bonds”. The Army described nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities as “soldiers without weapons”.

During the first such programme at Aishmuqam in Anantnag district, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Commander of 15 Corps or Chinar Corps, while addressing a gathering of Gujjars and Bakerwals, said the Army had an old bond with the communities.

“When confronted with challenges along our borders, we require a steadfast ally. You have consistently stood by us as a trustworthy neighbour and friend,” he said.

Lieutenant General Ghai described the Gujjars and Bakerwals as “soldiers without weapons”, who have always worked with the Army. “Whenever the Army has carried out operations in the higher reaches, the two communities have extended help. You have opened your doors to us, and assisted us,” the commander said.

“We have old relations with Gujjars and Bakerwals, and we do such festivals every year,” he told reporters. On the occasion, the Army also organised a medical camp for Gujjars, in which a large number of people were examined. Gujjar and Bakerwal communities are nomadic shepherding tribes residing in the Himalayan regions of Jammu and Kashmir. While Gujjars primarily rear buffalos, Bakerwals migrate with their livestock biannually.

Speaking on the occasion, Choudhary Sharief Din Khatana, a Gujjar leader, said the event organised by the Army was very helpful for the community.

On X, the Army said, “With an aim to strengthen the bonhomie with Gujjars and Bakerwals, the Chinar Corps organised an outreach programme at Aishmuqam. The Chinar Corps Commander interacted with members of the communities. He appreciated their continued support towards peace and border tourism. Winter essentials and all-weather tents were distributed to more than 1,000 people from far-flung areas.”

New challenges have arisen in the security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with militants trained in jungle and high-altitude warfare trying to infiltrate the border. Over the past two years, the areas of Poonch and Rajouri in the Jammu region have witnessed a surge in militant activities.

While security forces deployed in urban and rural areas have successfully controlled and almost curbed militancy, higher mountain reaches and alpine forests are a new challenge.