Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 4: Eminent scholar, playwright and internationally acclaimed Theatre Director Padamshri Balwant Thakur has demanded naming of world’s highest railway bridge over river Chenab as ‘Nagot Bridge’.
In a communication addressed to PM Modi, Thakur stated that the entire region where the highest railway bridge has come-up in Reasi is known as Nagot, an inhabitation of prehistoric times which is full of rarest ethnic ritualistic traditions, culture and beliefs.
“Nagas are the original inhabitants of this place who have still preserved those vibrant ancient traditions. The ritualistic folk dance ‘Kud’ which has its origin in the village dates back to 500 BC. Primarily performed as a worship dance of ‘Naag Devta’ the traditions and associated rituals are still in practice in that region,” Thakur maintained adding: “The entire village Bakkal where this bridge is situated worships local Naag Devta, a symbol of a saviour of the region and there is a belief that the entire land of the area including the land of the bridge belongs to their local deity Naag Devta.”
He further said that this is an opportune moment for the Government to give recognition to their ancient roots and cultural belongings.
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