What Happened to Over 100 Sheep and Goats in J&K?
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Synopsis
Tragedy struck in Jammu and Kashmir as over a hundred sheep and goats belonging to the Bakarwal community were killed by lightning. This incident has left families devastated and seeking urgent support. Discover the impact of this event on their lives and the plea for assistance to ensure their survival.
Key Takeaways
- Lightning caused the death of over a hundred sheep and goats in Rajouri.
- The incident has devastated the local Bakarwal community.
- Affected families are seeking urgent government assistance.
- Livestock is essential for the survival of these nomadic families.
- The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters.
Jammu, May 27 (NationPress) A devastating incident occurred on a Tuesday when lightning struck in J&K’s Rajouri district, resulting in the death of over a hundred sheep and goats belonging to the Bakarwal community in the elevated areas of Marg Top, located in the Budhal sub-division of Rajouri.
The tragedy has brought profound sorrow and severe economic hardship to the families affected, who rely entirely on their livestock for sustenance.
These nomadic families, originally hailing from Targain village in Budhal, were engaged in their seasonal migration, having established temporary shelters referred to as Dhoks in the high-altitude meadows of Marg.
The lightning struck their encampment amidst inclement weather, leading to the instantaneous death of the animals.
Among those impacted are individuals such as Mohd Ashraf, Saddam Hussain, Makhan Din, Mohd Farooq, Ajaz Ahmed, Fakhar Din, Javaid Iqbal, and Mohd Arif.
In a state of despair, they expressed that their livestock constituted their sole source of income, and with everything now lost, they are confronted with hunger and powerlessness.
A team from the Sheep Husbandry Department of Budhal, featuring Flock Supervisor Shahbaz Qamar and Assistant Stockman Lal Hussain, visited the scene, recorded the losses, and compiled a detailed report for further action.
The victims have urgently appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir government and Rajouri administration for immediate financial assistance, compensation, and rehabilitation support. They caution that without prompt aid, their very existence is at stake.
For the nomadic Bakarwal families, their livestock represents their only asset, and their survival hinges on the health of their flocks of sheep and goats. They typically migrate to high-altitude pastures during the challenging summer months to find grazing grounds for their animals.
As the cold season approaches in mid-October, the Bakarwals will return to their homes to endure the winter months.
Point of View
It is our duty to report on the challenges faced by communities affected by natural disasters. The tragedy that befell the Bakarwal families underscores the urgent need for government intervention and community support. Our commitment is to ensure that their voices are heard, and their plight is addressed with the seriousness it deserves.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the lightning incident occur?
The lightning struck during a severe weather episode while the Bakarwal community had set up temporary shelters in the high-altitude pastures.
What is the economic impact on the affected families?
The loss of over a hundred sheep and goats has resulted in significant financial devastation for the families, who rely solely on livestock for their livelihood.
What assistance are the victims seeking?
The affected families are requesting immediate financial relief, compensation, and rehabilitation support from the Jammu and Kashmir government and local administration.
