Pay attention to Pandva temples

Sir,

The Government seldom speaks regarding the Pilgrim-Tourism Promotion at the ancient stone made Pandva Temples at Krimachi near Udhampur district Headquarters. On papers what and what not has been done by the concerned agencies is not known. But practically the unique place has always been ignored, neglected and constantly kept in the dark.

It obviously appears and one feels too that the Government does not seem keen and sincere in bringing the beautiful, magnificent and historical Temples complex, built by the Great Pandava brothers in one night during their exile days, on the pilgrim-Tourism agenda. The matchless place is also our cultural and religious heritage. To get the sacred site explored and bring it in the peoples' eyes the basic requirements are known to all. But it is astonishing and painful to note that the concerned agencies do not care to take up any of these, except some renovation and preservation work at the complex site by the department of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and few photographs published in some Pamhlets of Tourism department in the name of publicity and exploration.

Nevertheless, what has been done here is appreciable. Besides, much more is needed to be done. Let us be more practical and prompt in our approach. The famous and rich heritage site, which is not doubt the "Pride of Udhampur", situated at a little distance of 8-9 kms from Udhampur city towards North-West is still out of sight of the visitors. To indicate and bring it in their eyes a broad sized "Gateway-cum-sign Board" should be eracted near BEERWAH Bridge crossing Udhampur on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway by the J&K Tourism department.

A vehicular road link from Forest Resin Depot, On Krimachi-Mansar road to the Temples complex should be constructed forthwith. At present one has to cover this 2 kms distance on foot through a stony and thorny Pathway. It exhausts and irritates a visitor (if any comes over here) to such extent that he vows to "Never visit again." Few years ago the then District Development Commissioner Udhampur Abdul Salam Bhat was kind enough to start the road's construction work through Rural Development department. But unfortunately, the noble task was abandoned halfway for unknown reasons. Resultantly, the short distanced road stretch, that too through plain fields. Is still lying pending where it was left. Nobody thereafter paid any attention towards this most important aspect. What a mockery?

At the same time the matchless place needs beautifications alongwith all other improvements pertaining to the civic amenities including passengers/visitors sheds at the site as well as near Resin Depot.

Above all the Government especially ASI should arrange the world Heritage Melas also at this complex which is surrounded by most beautiful and high green peaks. The hidden place would surely be exploited and get the visitors eyes. But I feel constrained to say that ASI too is unfair towards this place. What hesitation the department feels in organising such melas here is not known? Though the people from time to time keep voicing for such events here. Infact, sincere coordination is needed among the agencies related to the site for healthy and fruitful results. Otherwise, the nice and most charming place is being victimised for one reason on the other.

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

Much hyped meeting of KPs & Hurriyat

Sir,

This is in reference to the news regarding the seminar conducted on 14th Feb, 2004 at Jammu (D.E dated 15th Feb., 2004). This meeting was given a great hype by the media but it actually proved a non-starter. The Hurriyat did not depute any well known leader for the meeting and only a third rung activist attended it on behalf of the conglomerate besides Shabir Shah. Secondly, there was no notable participation by the KPs in the meeting. The Kashmiri Pandits who participated in the meeting are simply individuals who have no background of any tangible community work behind them or are men of no consequence. Moreover, these people have no mass base and cannot be termed as representatives of the people's aspirations. The common agreement that the meeting has thrown up is that "The situation is not conducive for return of Kashmiri Pandits'.

The issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits is a very serious issue and non-serious exercises like this meeting can be ill-productive and can create further complications. The Kashmiri Muslims and the Kashmiri Pandits need no brokers, they know each other very well and they also know how and why they are today in such a situation. The issue of Kashmir Pandits cannot be equated with the position of those people who due to earthquake, flood, epidemic, drought or cyclone are displaced and need rehabilitation.

The case of Kashmiri Pandits is entirely a different issue which has many dimensions. Its solution needs extra-ordinary efforts for which the credible leadership of the community has to be taken into complete confidence. The few individuals who have no ideological background or have no base amongst the people will only make more confusions. The dialogue on the issue of return of resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir valley has political, geographical and social dimensions, so it needs to be taken very seriously by the key figures whether they are in the credible leadership need to be convinced that serious efforts are afoot. Unless that is not proved to the satisfaction of these organizations, the meetings like the previous one will go no taking place without any net gain. No sane person will make himself a party to an exercise which will end in futility. So there is a need to do something tangible in this regard. Thanking you.

Yours etc...
Upender Koul,
Golgujral, Talab Tillo, Jammu