- Demands Dedicated Heritage Board
Jammu, April 18: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, the Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed deep concern and strong resentment over the continued neglect of Jammu’s rich Dogra cultural heritage, historical monuments, and traditional identity. The party strongly demanded the immediate formation of a dedicated “Dogra Heritage Conservation Board” for the Jammu region.
Addressing a press conference held at the party headquarters, State President Manish Sahni said that although the Jammu & Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010 provides for a statutory authority for heritage protection, Jammu’s Dogra legacy has not received the priority and attention it rightfully deserves.
Sahni accused the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Archaeology Department of serious negligence towards Jammu’s historical identity. He stated that the restoration work of the iconic Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex, a symbol of Jammu’s pride and Dogra गौरव, has been progressing at a painfully slow pace for years. He added that despite crores of rupees being announced earlier for its preservation, both the pace and quality of work on the ground remain deeply concerning.
He further said that it is not just Mubarak Mandi, but also Jasmergarh Fort in Hiranagar, the ancient forts of Samba, Akhnoor Fort, and Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi that are on the verge of losing their existence due to lack of proper conservation. The administration, he said, merely indulges in sloganism by calling Jammu the “City of Temples”, while completely failing to place its historical heritage on the national and international tourism map.
Sahni demanded that under the Jammu & Kashmir Heritage Authority, a dedicated “Dogra Heritage Conservation Board” or at least a separate regional cell be constituted immediately for the protection of Dogra art, architecture, Takri script, Dogri language, folk music, and cultural legacy. He said that the proposed board must be granted autonomous powers, an independent working mechanism, a team of technical experts, and an adequate budget to ensure planned and time-bound conservation efforts.
He added that scientific preservation, restoration, and tourism-linked integrated development of these historical sites would not only strengthen Dogra identity but would also significantly boost local tourism, employment generation, and the regional economy.
Sahni also reiterated the demand that the glorious history of Dogra heroes — Maharaja Gulab Singh and General Zorawar Singh — must be made a compulsory part of school curricula and official cultural programmes.
Issuing a strong warning, Sahni said that if within the next three months no concrete policy and time-bound action plan is announced for the preservation of Mubarak Mandi and other major Dogra heritage sites, the party will be compelled to launch a mass public movement to safeguard Jammu’s identity and heritage.
Prominent leaders present on the occasion included Sanjay Bhatt, Aditya Mahajan, and Raju Kapoor.