Historic Poonch fort

Sir,

This is in reference to the article published in Sunday Magazine, written by K D Maini.

It is very informative and knowledgeable article which includes various historic facts about the Fort.

I believe that most of the population in our State does not know the facts about the various rulers and kingdoms who ruled over it, but after the publication of this informative article, people at large now got information and knowledge about this historic fort like as about the various problems which were faced by the ruler's at that time, for the construction of the Fort.

Many rulers established their kingdoms in and around this Fort and at various times this Fort was helpful for their defence from the invadors. Many times Kings and their army took shelter under this Fort and easily defended themselves because of it's strong constructed walls and infrastructure.

Its construction is based on different architectual styles, which includes Sikh arhitectual style during the Punjabi Ruler's as well as European architectual style under the Rule of Raja Moti Singh who shifted along with his family and Darbar in the Fort in 1852 who was the first Dogra ruler over the Poonch.

This Fort is a witness of various Rulers' who ruled over it, during a long period of time and also witness of various ups and downs during their Rules.

This Fort has also set a true example of National Integration, in which it consists of a Hindu temple, a Mosque and a Gurudwara Sahib established in the single premises of this Fort.

At last I just want to draw the kind attention of the State Govt and the Central Govt as well, to take initiative for the renovation of this historic Monument and also reconstruct various parts of this Fort those are damaged by the time span, or by the natural calamities. Govt should also take help of the local people in this social cause local people have already taken various steps for the protection and maintenance of the fort at their level. But if Govt also take part and helps them economically, then its results would be magnificant.

This Fort would also emerge as a tourist spot at the National, as well as at the International level like as Bahu Fort (Jammu) and various other Forts and Shrines.

Yours etc....
Taran Singh Sudan
Dashmesh Nagar,
Digiana,
Jammu

Restoration of water connections

Sir,

We have approached various times to the PHE Department for restoration of drinking water connections, for which we were suffering badly during these hot days of summer season. There is no other source of water in Kishtwar District where we can manage drinking water. The conditions of pipe lines of this area have changed from bad to worse. The linemen of these areas are not performing their duties properly and remain always absent from their duties.

Many peoples have installed Electric Motors to get more water in their houses and lawns. Many illegal water connections have been installed by willful neglect of the PHE officers and the PHE staff ignores this fault. The staff of the Department is not working properly and gets salary without any work. They only say that we can restore water but they are wandering here and there without doing their duties.

Crores of rupees were spent to bring water from Nai gad to Kishtwar town, but all in vain and whole money went into the pockets of the Officers/Officials of the PHE Department. There were also no transfers in the Department from so many years and the officers/officials were staying for more than 15-20 years.

Therefore your goodself is requested to direct concerned Xen PHE and his field staff for restoration of water connections immediately.

Yours etc...
Public of Kishtwar
through Ajay Singh

Control Prices Effectively

Sir,

In the situation of rising prices, the Government machinery has to be effectively put in action to safeguard the interests of the aam adami in Jammu and Kashmir.

The system of fixing prices of atleast essential commodities like milk, meat, sweets and other things and then strictly enforcing these taking measures under the profiteering Act is the need of the hour. The profiteers and hoarders must be booked and sternly dealt with.

The Government must act fast and firmly to save the consumers.

Yours etc...
Dev Raj Dogra
Chabutra Chowk,
Udhampur.