The demolition drive and the eviction notices, Khatana says now puts the future of thousands of such families under a threat.
Many Gujjar families across Kashmir have received show-cause notices to “leave the unauthorised occupation of the forest land”.
“We have been living in the forests in peace with all the creatures here. We are here because our great grandfathers were born here,” Khatana said.
Bajad and Khatana are from the Gujjar community considered some of the most impoverished groups in Kashmir – home to 12 million people.
Back in Kanidajan village, tucked in a forest land surrounded with pine trees, people said their livelihood is dependent on the cultivation of apples – the core of the disputed region’s economy – and potatoes.