Army organises fair for nomads in Doda

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 12

A three-day fair was organised for the Gujjar-Bakerwal population by the Army’s 10 Rashtriya Rifles in Gotul village of Doda district.

Horse race was the major attraction of this fair. The nomadic population from Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Anantnag and Rajouri flock to this pasture every year during summer. To address their hardships, the Army has been organising this event since 2011.

Around 700 people witnessed and participated in this race with 200 riders competing over three days. The Army provided medical care to more than 600 people, including men, women and children. The veterinary staff of the Army and district veterinary office conducted the medical check-up and provided medicines to 200 animals, including horses, sheep, goats and buffaloes.

The fair concluded with a cultural programme, including dance, patriotic songs, Gojari folk dance, sack race and lemon race for children.

The commanding officer of the 10 Rashtriya Rifles presented cash awards to the winners and runners-up. He also informed the nomadic population about the various government welfare schemes.