DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Apr 15
Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, Former Minister and President Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K said that the issues and sentiments of Dogras of Jammu and Kashmir have been used, misused and abused. Hence, Culture, Heritage and Resources seriously eroded in the past.
Addressing a Press Conference here today, the former minister said that Dogra Sadar Sabha as the 120-year-old organization of the Dogras consider ourselves morally and constitutionally duty bound to appeal to each and every eligible voter, particularly of Jammu region, to ensure to exercise his/her franchise in full conscience and wisdom to protect and promote their larger National and Dogra interests.
The Sabha appealed to every eligible voter must go to respective polling booth as per the Polling Dates announced by the Election Commission of India, and exercise his/her franchise on April 19th for Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, April 26th for Jammu Lok Sabha Constituency and May 7th for Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri constituency.
The Dogra Sadar Sabha passionately appealed to every voter to be vigilant and question each candidate seeking their vote about their commitment to fulfilling the following eleven-point charter of demands, which are crucial to every Dogra. These demands included the restoration of full statehood and enactment of provisions of Art.371 to secure jobs and land for the local population, domicile to Gallantry Awardees as in Himachal Pradesh, and establishment of an Ex-serviceman Colony in Srinagar.
Preservation of the identity and beauty of the Jammu region’s mountainous topography, rich biodiversity, ecology, and soothing environment during infrastructure development is also stressed. Furthermore, the Sabha calls for the unbiased inclusion of history of Jammu and Kashmir in textbooks at school, college and university levels including tales of valor and chivalry of Dogra warriors.
Additionally, the Sabha emphasized the need for the development of comprehensive and integrated tourism circuits across all districts of Jammu region and fast-paced, time-bound restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex as a focal point of Jammu’s tourism, opening of General N.C Vij Road passing along the front gates of Civil Secretariat, Jammu with alternative security arrangements along with the inclusion of historical Dogra Hall Bhawan under Smart City Project, Jammu.
Upgrading the 120 year old Ranbir Canal and the Hydel Power House near Canal Road, Jammu, is highlighted as crucial, as well as constructing a befitting Memorial for Martyrs of Indian Armed Forces and Para-Military Forces at Srinagar.
The Sabha also stressed the importance of upscaling Dogra Festivals like Jammu Festival as the Annual UT/ State level Duggar festival and fulfilling the decades-old demand for Upgradation of Doordarshan Kendra to a full-fledged Duggar Satellite Channel. Lastly, the Sabha sought a guarantee for fast-paced, time-bound restoration of historical forts, temples, and shrines, as well as a commitment to work for the elimination and eradication of the Drugs Menace from the society.
In conclusion, the Dogra Sadar Sabha appealed to the public to press before the political parties, individuals, and contesting Leaders to refrain from resorting to and succumbing to religious slogans that can spoil the mutual trust and amity amongst communities. Instead, they must ensure to guarantee a time-bound resolution of the highlighted issues.
Prominent among others who were present in the press conference, Col Karan Singh, vice President DSS, Sh. Prem Sagar Gupta, Sh. Amanat Ali Shah, Sh. Ravi Singh Slathia & Sh. Vidya Sagar Sharma.
