Gujjar milkmen face loss of livelihood

Not being allowed to sell milk | Confront shortage of fodder

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, April 15

The Gujjar community of Chamba district, which is dependent on dairy for livelihood, is facing an uncertain future. The district administration has sealed 28 panchayats after four locals tested positive for coronavirus in the Tissa area of the district last week. The Gujjars of the area say that they earn their livelihood by selling milk and milk products. However, now, they are not allowed to go out of Tissa to sell milk nor the government is collecting their milk.

Hassan Deen, pradhan of Paliur village panchayat in Chamba block and president of Gujjar Welfare Association, says that Gujjars usually migrate with herds of buffaloes to Chamba hills. However, this year, they are being stopped at many places from taking their buffaloes to forests.

He adds that the state government should ensure that milk cooperatives procure their produce in case they are not allowed to move out of their areas.

The Gujjar community leaders say that they are facing a shortage of fodder for their animals. As people, who attended the Tablighi Jamaat conference and later tested positive for Covid-19 infection, are blamed for spreading coronavirus in Himachal, the Gujjars of Chamba is facing social boycott in many areas. People have stopped accepting milk supplied by the community.

Hasaan Deen says that the government should restore the confidence of people and allow Gujjars to sell milk and milk products. He adds that a malicious campaign has been launched on social media, affecting the livelihood of Gujjars.

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bhatia said that anybody could bring fodder for his animals in his own vehicle. “We are issuing permits for the purpose. Recently, attempts were made to bring in people from adjoining states in vehicles permitted to transport fodder. Strict action was taken against them,” he added.

About the social boycott of Gujjars and people not accepting their milk, Bhatia said that the problem was there but “we are trying to sort it out”. “We had recently convened a meeting of the local Vayopar Mandal and members of the Gujjar community to sort out the matter,” he added.