SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Chopan Welfare Association, in collaboration with the J&K RTI Movement, has appealed to the authorities, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and GOC Chinar Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, to allow the Chopan community to resume their seasonal migration to highland pastures in Kashmir.
In a joint statement released to the press by Ghulam Mohiudin Chopan, Publicity Secretary of the Chopan Welfare Association, it was emphasised that security restrictions have obstructed the traditional movement of Chopans to alpine grazing areas, particularly in the Pir Panjal range. The association argues that the ongoing restriction is adversely affecting the livelihood of the Chopans, a landless pastoralist community dependent entirely on sheep grazing for income.
“Due to rising temperatures and completed farming activities in the plains, it has become essential for the livestock to be moved to cooler highland pastures. If migration is not permitted, sheep will suffer, and Chopans will lose their wages as they are paid per animal shepherded to the meadows,” the statement reads.
Areas such as Toshamaidan, Danidaar, Pehjan, Chaskaninar, Ashtar, Liddermud, and Bargah—traditional pastures for Chopans—remain inaccessible, causing growing concern within the community.
Chairman of the J&K RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, also supported the appeal, underlining the need for urgent intervention. “This is a livelihood issue for thousands of families. I urge the security agencies to ensure proper screening mechanisms and permit these shepherds to move, particularly in Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, and Baramulla districts.”
Dr Bhat highlighted the economic vulnerability of the community, pointing out that farmers pay Rs 300 to 400 per sheep to Chopans, a critical source of income. “Without access to the meadows, farmers won’t pay the shepherds, which will destroy the economic fabric of this nomadic group. These people aren’t even recognised as a Scheduled Tribe, yet they continue to be marginalised.”
He expressed hope that Lt Gen Srivastava would adopt a sympathetic approach, similar to measures extended to the Bakerwal community in the past.
The Chopans, traditionally nomadic shepherds, have long relied on seasonal movement to highland meadows for grazing livestock. As urban expansion and climate conditions limit grassland availability in the lower valleys, this annual migration remains vital for their survival.
