Sir,
Jammu expressed unique solidarity in celebrating the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh and expressing anger for not declaring the day as public holiday by the State Government. The people of Jammu cannot be faulted for the simmering but the focus should go beyond political affiliation. BJP became the target of the anger because people had high expectations with the party as it was the party that had raked up the issue. But people should not forget that the party. Congress that tried to take political mileage out of the issue never thought on such lines even when the Jammuites were in majority.
Maharaja Hari Singh though a monarch was a visionary leader who initiated many social, economic and political reforms in his State for the welfare of the subjects. He inspired confidence among the masses.
Legend has it that once Maharaja was on way to Srinagar and a nomadic Bakerwal was also on the way alongwith his cattle. The security personnel of Maharaja came down to clear the road and threatened the Bakerwal. The Bakerwal ignorant of the fact that Maharaja was on his way retorted. “Yeh Hari Singh Ka Raj Hai, Mein Dekhoongha Kaun Mujhe Chooye Gha”. (It is the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh. I will see who will touch me). Such was the confidence of the nomad in delivery of justice by the Maharaja. Respecting the confidence of the nomad, the Maharaja is said to have ordered closure of traffic at nights on the Highway during movement of nomads. Can any ruler of democratic era inspire such a confidence among the masses? Unfortunately, this visionary leader became victim of communal and avengeful politics and had to die in exile.
Jammuites and nationalists have been victims of the Kashmir Centric politics. Declaration of a holiday on the Maharaja’s birth aniversary will be a symbolic victiory. But, we should look beyond that. We should dedicate ourselves to fight against the politics that resulted in the discrimination with the religious minorities and the nationalist forces in the State. It will be the true tribute to late Maharaja.
Yours etc…
S Pandit
Jammu
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