Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Aug 20: Expressing concern over the gross neglect of Dogra culture, heritage and Dogra identity by various Govts during the past few years, NPP chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh today appealed to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take measures to safeguard the rich Dogra traditions and values.
He sought immediate revival of Dogra certificate to the Dogra youth of Jammu region, a practice which had been disbanded in the recent past. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to the Home Ministry in New Delhi today.
The memorandum said, “May I invite your attention towards the most contemptuous disregard for the sentiments of Dogra youth as shown by the erstwhile State Govts in J&K by declining them Dogra certificate, a practice that which was started during Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule. The Dogras have all along been issued Dogra certificates on request by them to showcase their distinct identity. They have an inherent right to be called as Dogras. The said certificate is a symbol of pride for the valiant Dogras who extended the boundaries of State up to China and Tibet and are recognized for their valour, courage and fortitude. This certificate further facilitates the entry of Dogras into Indian armed forces by providing them certain relaxations and concessions due to their special characteristics,” it added.
“It is unfortunate however that such practice was discontinued during Congress–NC rule with PDP-BJP alliance also refusing to revive the same. The issue was discussed in the erstwhile Govt as well but abandoned due to opposition of Kashmir centric leadership. The issuance of Dogra certificate to Dogras was therefore denied to appease the Separatists and other anti- Jammu forces. Should the Govt refuse to grant Dogra certificate to the bonafide persons, despite they being acknowledged as Dogras, only for the reason that some Hurriyat and other separatist leaders have opposed the move? The issue involving the sentiments of millions of Dogras needs your due consideration so that urges and aspirations of this nationalist warrior class could be addressed,” the memo added.
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