Promote Purmandal-Uttarvehni shrines DSS demands inclusion of Mubarak Mandi in UNESCO sites (daily Excelsior 10-07-2022)

Former minister and Dogra Sadar Sabha president, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak today demanded inclusion of famous Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites besides the promotion of famous Purmandal and Uttarvehni shrines of Lord Shiva on Tourism map of
the country. Talking to the media-persons here today, Charak who was accompanied by Col (Retd) VK Sahi, Lt Col ( Retd), Karan Singh, Prem Sagar and CM Sharma, senior DSS members, expressed serious concern over the neglect of Mubarik Mandi Dogra Heritage
site and Purmandal Uttarvahni shrines. He regretted that in the recently released guide book by Tourism Department on Amarnath Yatra and other shrines in J&K, there is no mention of
famous Purmandal and Uttarvehni shrines of Lord Shiva once considered as Kashi of North
India. Charak expressed concern over the mal-functioning of light and sound programme and musical fountain at Bagh-e-Bahu and said there was need to restore it properly. He said a large number of pilgrims are visiting Jammu and in case of suspension of Yatra they may be diverted to Bahu Fort, Purmandal, Uttarvehni during their short stay here. He said there is need to highlight ‘Balidan Stambh’ on Bahu Fort Road near Jammu University, where the
names of martyrs and great heroes of the country have been depicted. DSS leader extended gratitude to the J&K UT Administration to enhance amount for martyrs’ families from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakhs in J&K and said several neighbouring states are providing even Rs one crore to such cases. He further demanded enhancement in the annuities given to Gallantry
awardees. While terming cancellation of SIs’ selections list by the Lt Governor a step in right direction, Charak said that it should be ensured that the genuine candidates who have nothing to do with the corruption and fraud, should not be affected as many youth are going to be over aged. DSS members expressed shock over the incident at Amarnath Ji Shrine and prayed for the peace to the souls of those perished in natural calamity,