Nomads in Kashmir facing starvation due to coronavirus lockdown

The nationwide lockdown brought life to a standstill across the country. The total shutdown meant the loss of livelihood for much of the backward class adding to their miseries. Nomads in the Kashmir Valley are facing starvation due to lack of income as they are unable to find any work. The govt too hasn't been able to make good on its promise to deliver food to everyone in need.

Anantnag (J&K): While the coronavirus induced lockdown has affected every aspect of life, the lives of people belonging to the backward classes have become increasingly difficult during this situation. The govt has boasted of having delivered food to everyone in need during this global pandemic, but those claims are proving to be somewhat of an illusion at the grassroot levels.

Although a number of NGOs have come forward to help, there are still hundreds of deserving people around who have been overlooked during this difficult time. Waiting for help every day, these people are barely getting by.

Gujjar Bakarwal nomads have been camped along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Uranhall in Anantnag district of south Kashmir for the past one month. Talking to ETV Bharat about their hardships, they said that they are facing starvation due to lack of income. They said that they have been going through the most difficult days of their life in the midst of a lockdown here for the past several months, but to date had not received any help from the government or any non-government organization.

When ETV Bharat correspondent went to the nomad family's tent to find out about their condition, their children were eating rice mixed with salt. Their parents said that they have been living the same way for the past several months and sometimes face a situation when they have to go without food.

They said they tried to find work in the surrounding area. However, due to the fear of coronavirus, no one is ready to hire them. In order to cope with the financial difficulties, they have been forced to sell their goats, which has made it difficult to arrange milk for the children.

These people belonging to the backward class are seeking help from the government. They said that they wait every day, hoping that maybe someone's attention will be drawn to them while crossing the national highway and they will come forward to help them. However, they face disappointment every day.