ESTD: 1904
DOGRA SADAR SABHA J&K
DOGRA HALL, JAMMU
PH.:0191-2543589, E-mail: dograsadarsabha1904@gmail.com
Ref. No DSS :- ———-/23 Date: – 21.08.2023
Press Release
RENAME BADHORI POND AS GENERAL BAJ SINGH SAROVAR:
DSS
Maheen Charakan, Samba August 21.
Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu, (DSS), has made a fervent appeal to honourable Lt.
Governor Shri Manoj Sinha to rename the historical water pond at Badhori village in Samba district as
General Baj Singh Sarovar to honour this great Dogra soldier who travelled 200 kms all the way from
Skardu to join Fateh Shibji, now 4 JAK Rifles, the J&K State Forces Battalion, as part of the Imperial
Service Force at Gilgit and to walk 400 kms with them on the mission to lift the siege of Chittral in 1895
by leading from the front. After a grim battle, General Baj Singh laid down his life after a valiant fight
which is a rare example in the world history of Combat.
Sharing this public sentiment, Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, former Cabinet Minister and President of DSS,
while thanking the government for conceding the demand of the Sabha for raising Balidan Stambh in
Kashmir which is now coming up at Sri Pratap Park Srinagar., he appealed that General Baj Singh must
also be honoured in the same spirit of nationalism conceeding the demand of Sabha by naming the
historical pond at Village Badhori as General Baj Singh Sarovar. Shri Charak was speaking at a largely
attended meeting of the members of the DSS including Sarpanches, Panches, Numberdars/ Chowkidars
and other prominent persons from the surrounding areas at Maheen Charakan.
Shri Charak, on behalf of DSS, once again conveyed to the government headed by Shri Manoj Sinha that
all the realist and rational people of Jammu region, particularly those connected with heritage and
culture, vehemently oppose the dangerous move of the bureaucracy of Jammu and Kashmir to convert
Maharani Charaki Palace into hotel being totally against the standard norms of State Protected
Monuments.
The participants spoke in one voice that the plan to shift invaluable archives repository from Mubarak
Mandi Complex, Jammu to elsewhere was ill-conceived and the archives which are the soul of this
historic monument should not be shifted out of these palaces complex in any case. They appealed to the
government to ensure that the heritage monuments of Jammu region are revived and conserved for
cultural, historical, religious, research and academic tourism and employment generation. “Essence of
heritage shouldn’t be lost in the process,” the participants demanded.
DSS demanded that there should be a proper display of artifacts etc. of Dogra Museum and proper
upkeep of the prestigious old library in the Mubarak Mandi where more than 29,000 rare books have
been kept. Demand was made that the Heritage Complex be restored on war footings and kept open for
visiting tourists.
Speakers emphasized that the institution of Numberdars and Chowkidars provides the most effective
services to common masses in rural areas and it is imperative for the government to duly empower
them and fulfil their genuine and long pending demands that include raising the monthly remuneration
(honorarium) from the existing paltry sum of Rs. 1501 and Rs. 1500 respectively to at least Rs. 9000 per
month, comparable with the minimum of Rs. 300 per day, they being involved in important round the
clock government work.
Demand was made that effective mechanism be put in place to check the drug menace which is
spreading unabated even amongst the school going children including the girl students.
The Sabha expressed resentment over the installation of smart meters for electricity consumption and
high rates and numerous toll plazas on the highways. The participants expressed no aversion to
technology, but asked the government to adopt a rational and pro people’s approach that doesn’t
burden the poor who are already suffering because of high cost of living. They also unanimously
demanded that Toll Plaza at Sarore must immediately be removed and warned the government against
taking any suppressive measure to silent the voice of patriotic people of this region.
Shri Charak also appealed to the Lt. Governor to be genuinely considerate towards the long suffering
daily wagers of the Union Territory and concede their demands for regularization and one time
settlement at the earliest.
Demand for issue of Dogra Certificate in favour of the community members was once again highlighted
here also. Participants said that it grants due relaxation in matters of height etc of the candidates during
recruitment to armed forces, etc. It was emphasized that the valorous Dogra youth had proved their
mettle in defending the nation time and again and the Certificate would facilitate the eligible in seeking
employment in the field of their choice to serve the motherland.
Earlier Sh. Gulzar Ahmad Qureshi, former Director School Education and Sh. Haji Bashir Ahmad Malik, Ex
Sarpanch appreciating the people of the area for maintaining their age old brotherhood even during the
various provocations and appealed them to be vigilant in future also especially during the elections
when cheap politicians try to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere.
Sh. Chaman Lal Chaman, a Dogri Poet of the area recited Dogri Poems about the bravery of brave hearts
of the area and Master Jagdeep Singh explained in detail about the problems being faced by the people
of this Kandi Belt. At the end Sh. Kuldeep Kumar Stage secretary thanking the guests and other
participants of this grand function appealed to all for joining the Preeti Bhoj.
Among others who expressed their views on the occasion were Sarpanch Ghulam Hussain, Swarn Singh
Ex Sarpanch, Master Chhankar Singh, Madan Bhagat, Balkar Singh, Parshotam Singh Charak, Ex Sarpanch
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