Establishing identity of dead

Sir,

It is a historical fact that some Dogra Troops had to retreat from Taklakot in 1842 after meeting a defeat at the hands of Tibetian Army via Garhwal region. Most of the injured and sick troops died enroute and remaining were retrieved by Britishers from Garhwal and later kept in a camp at Ludhiana for treatment which fact stands supported in number of historical books. Second and third theory advanced by the author of the article in India today dated Nov 24, 2003 cannot be discarded merely on the ground that no one has been able to find any sign of arms on the spot. It is pertinent to comment that Gen Zorawar Singh met his waterloo in 1842, thereafter the Roopkund had been frequented by No. of archeology teams and locals who might have collected abundant weapons, valuables carried by the victims. As far as discovery of woman skeletons are concerned, it again confirms the belief that many senior commanders of Dogra troops used to accompany their spouses, even near to the battle field which fact is also being supported when Gen Zorawar Singh finally thought of giving final onslaught to the many time more Tibetian Army, he brought back his wife to Mansrowar lake where they offered prayer in a newly constructed Shiv temple and dispatched his wife back to Jammu via Leh being escorted by a posse of Dogras.

The remains of woman and bangles discovered from the sight again strengthens the theory of skeletons of Dogra troops. In view the given situation the issue needs to be taken up with the appropriate authority of Govt of India by the State Govt to collect more clinching evidence to establish the identity of the real victims and if human remains are found to be of Dogra soldiers the same be retrieved with utmost honour to perform last rites of the unknown Dogra Warriors. It may be recalled that Dogras were the only one in India who brought laurels by acquiring Foreign territory and annexed it to India. If the remains are of Dogras warriors, it certainly carry immense sentimental values for the whole Duggar Desh particularly for the living families who had lost their nears and dears in the last expedition of Gen Zorawar Singh.

Yours etc...
D S Slathia
Talab Tiloo
Jammu

Bab Jitto's Shrine craves for development

Sir,

Baba Jito's name and the places related to holy Saint- Kissan are a most significant part of Jammu's rich and matchless historical cultural religious heritage. The martyr Baba Jitto's shrines need sincere attention and practical approach of all especially the people at the helm of affairs.

In this regard the famous shrine of Baba Jitto situated at a distance of 6 kms from Katra, the base camp of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, on Katra-Reasi road like many others shrines in district Udhampur is the victim of constant neglect of the J&K states ruling elite. Mere lip service is provided to the ancient shrine along its few photographs in the Tourism Department's Publicity literature. Though, the shrine is under Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra since long, yet the poor development, poor maintenance and nil infrastructural facilities for the large number pilgrim-visitors speak much about the concerned authorities' negative approach towards this unique shrine.

The shrine, that has great history as its background, it surrounded by most beautiful green hillocks in the lap of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. But the shrine still lacks basic amenities. The poor insanitary condition here is pain giving. At least 10 toilets immediately be constructed. It is the burning need for obvious reasons. The step would save the pure surroundings from dirt, filth and pollution. About 4-5 months back a small old bridge over the Nallah, that divides the place into two portions, got damaged totally. Its slab too has fallen in to the Nallah in a broken condition. Great inconvenience is being caused to the pilgrim visitors who take 'Ashnaan' (sacred bath) at the sacred 'Naraas' (Natural water springs) on the other bank of the Nallah. Even locals also use the bridge every now and then as it connects the much populated areas on both the sides. Adjacent Govt High School to is connected with this bridge. A large sized new bridge needs to be erected here at the earliest.

Due to non-availability of a separate parking place the vehicles remain parked on the main road i.e Reasi-Katra road. The traffic on the route gets disturbed. A separate parking place needs to be carved out to lighten the main road. The Reasi-Katra road is also in damaged and uprooted condition. It should be repaired at the earliest for smooth and free traffic flew.

The sacred shrine site areas should be widened enough to cater the needs of the ever-growing rush of the visitors. To make it more beautiful and attractive the ever flowing natural springs water could be utilized in a best way for the visitors' recreational activities like boating etc. And for this noble and charming object an artificial lake should be created nearby. There is sufficient vacant land i.e in the above said Nallah itself, for the dreamy purpose. The lake provision, with garden around, would definitely add more charm and more attraction to the already beautiful and breathtaking scenic place.

The above developmental provisions would stimulate more and more pilgrim-visitors to visit this place again and again and the vast areas around would also see a ray of progress and prosperity. The shrine would serve the purpose of a nearby site scene also for Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Ji pilgrims.

Yours etc...
Swantantra Dev Kotwal
Advocate
Udhampur (J&K)