Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Amid strict observance of social distancing and other Coronavirus preventive precautions, the Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) J&K held a press conference at Sabha Bhawan, Dogra Hall, here today.
Th Gulchain Singh Charak, former Minister and President DSS along with other office bearers addressed the media persons.
Boosted by the High Court’s recent verdict on varied timings and their long outstanding and repeatedly projected demand of doing away with the ‘darbar move’, the Dogra Sadar Sabha welcomed the High Court order to do away with the 92 year old practice of varied court timings.
Calling the order a much needed litigant friendly decision, Charak said that the order will go a long way in reducing the suffering of the litigants and the time and quantum of pendency cases, adding that it has brought J&K Union Territory one more step closer to rest of the nation obliterating the ‘special status syndrome’.
Talking about the High Court’s observation on ‘darbar move’, President DSS called it a landmark verdict which may impact the history of J&K bringing solace, comfort and justice to both the regions of the Union Territory, which were deprived of governance for about seven months and will save the fruitless draining of well over Rs 600 crore per annum.
He said the decision taken by Maharaja Ranbir Singh during 1872 was to checkmate Russian designs in Afghanistan; promote economic interests and road connectivity up to the northern borders; that needed close and physical supervision in those days of poor transportation.
The DSS demanded that after a successful trial this year, the secretariat should continue to function for the whole year from both the capitals i.e. Jammu and Srinagar simultaneously.
Charak elaborated that the aim of his meeting the press was to reach out and appeal to seek the support and views from all Jammu leaders representing the political, social, religious, intellectuals, opinion makers, traders and other organizations of Jammu about the various issues projected by the Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K as the oldest and historical organization of the State.
“The DSS had started the Jammu festival as a platform for local talent, artists and artisans. It was a window to showcase Dogra culture and traditional Duggar folk music and dances in two weeks long district wise celebrations. Over the years, it was reduced to an outsourced expensive one day programme displaying Punjabi music through paid artists. We demand revival and proper organization of Jammu Festival in its original form,” Charak maintained.
He said that DSS admired and fully supported the domicile certificate decision and welcomed the 18th May notification, adding however, it has been very harsh by not granting the domicile to Gallantry Awardees and families of those Armed forces and PMFs personnel who have laid their lives in line of duty while defending or protecting J&K.
Charak reiterated the earlier demand of removing the barriers blocking the road in front of the Secretariat.
During the press conference, the DSS President was accompanied by PS Gupta, GA Khwaja, Col (Dr) Virendra K. Sahi,VrC, Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Amanat Ali Shah and Sdr Hakumat Singh.
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