Kashmir tribes report by Kashmir correspondent
Gujjars have appealed state government to establish tribal destinations and promote ‘Tribal Tourism’ in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars have appealed to the state government to establish tribal destinations and promote ‘Tribal Tourism’ in the state. The Gujjars and Bakerwals, who are the major scheduled tribe communities of Jammu and Kashmir pleaded before the state government to introduce the concept of ‘Tribal tourism’ by creating infrastructure and setting up Tribal Tourist destination across the state.
“The tribal tourism will not only help the state to attract new tourists to trek mountains and discover the primitive treats of Gujjar- Bakerwal tribes but will also help in eradicating poverty among nomads by boosting their economy in a sustainable manner,’’ Gujjar scholar Dr Javaid Rahi said while speaking at a programme organised by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation here. The Gujjar leader on ‘Tribal Economy of J&K’ stated that there is great potential for new sector of ‘Tribal Tourism’ in the state.
“Government may re-design the tribal areas for tourists which already exists in Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, 
Mansar, Mantalai, Patnitop, Poonch, Rajouri as it will help in burgeoning the local foreign tourist inflow to the state,” Dr Rahi added. He said the creation of new trekking routes in mountainous tribal areas of Pirpanchal and Trikuta Hills of North-Western Himalayas can help in making new tourist circuits in lush green forests.
“The ‘HOME-STAY’ in nomadic huts in ‘Dhoks’ and ‘Bhaks’ with tribal vegetarian cousin of Gujjars like Kadhan, leeti with wild vegetables and dairy products can prove a great potential to catch the attention of domestic and foreign tourists for a new experience,” he added. Meanwhile the speakers at the programme appealed to the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who also hold portfolio of Tourim as well as the Tribal Minister to initiate steps to introduce new concept of ‘Tribal Tourism’ in the state and regulate them.
