Poonch: In its ongoing efforts to support local communities in remote and high-altitude areas, the Indian Army organised an interaction with members of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community at Jaran Wali on 07 November 2025. The event brought together 23 community members and served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the logistical and humanitarian challenges faced during their seasonal migration between the plains and high-altitude pastures.
The interaction provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify pressing issues, and formalize requests for assistance from various support agencies—particularly the Indian Army, which frequently operates along the community’s traditional migration routes.
Discussions highlighted the hardships encountered while traversing rugged terrain, such as limited access to healthcare, veterinary services, and basic infrastructure. The participants expressed their gratitude to the Indian Army for its continued support in ensuring safe passage, providing emergency aid, and facilitating logistics during their migration.
A key outcome of the session was the development of a comprehensive, need-based assessment outlining the challenges faced in previous migration cycles and recommending measures for future Army support. The initiative underscored the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to fostering trust, cooperation, and long-term engagement with nomadic communities living in border regions.
