In the Shadow of Violence

Doodhi Gujjars are the buffalo herdsman of Jammu & Kashmir. Their economic mainstay is based upon the sale of milk. The intermittent spurts of terrorist violence has changed their lives in insidious ways. Their lives, their honour, their possessions and their peace of mind are all at stake. It is ironical that fear predominates the life of these gaunt hardy men. It has changed the course of their life. They can no longer go to their summer pastures. Often they are distrusted by the authorities, suspecting them to have connections with mercenary terrorist elements. They are in the line of fire from all sides. The terrorist violence is challenging the innate nature of these herdsmen, their physical strength and mental tenacity.