THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU

daily K D Maini completed at a cost of Rs. 15 lakhs. This is the unique reli- Excelsior very year Baisakhi Mela gious building in Poonch Illaqa. Established 1965 is organised at Nangali Baisakhi Mela at Nangali Sahib Mahant Bachitter Singh Ji Sahib Gurdawara. This E the ruler of Poonch principality participated in the ceremony. passed away at Nangali Sahib Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra historic shrine has played a great with the establishment of Dera Mela Singh Ji of village Koteray and Gurudwara, the village was Tehsil Bagh as his successor. in 1803 AD was Gujjar Wazir Holiday was declared in Poonch on 1st November 1991. He was role in preaching Sikhism in 74. On 2nd November 1991 Jammu and Kashmir. renamed by the public as Therefore, on Baisakhi of 1803 Ru-Allah-Khan Sangu. It is said State and on behalf of Poonch Nangali Sahib after the name of AD, the sangat assembled at that Ru-Allah had approved government Rs. 500 were after the cremation of Mahant Ji, Therefore, the Sikh community a dewan of prominent Sikh per- Ujh Project axed of the State is greatly attached to Gurudwara Nangali Sahib. The Rawalakote in which Thakur Thakur Ji to settle in Poonch offered as obeisance. Saint Bhai Shrine Complex is spread over Bhai Mela Singh Ji was formal- area instead of Rawalakote. Mangal Singh Ji made a number sonalities was held at Nangali this holy Dera. Apart from rou- Sahib. In this religious meeting, ixteen years ago the Ujh Multipurpose tine visit of sikh and hindu about hundred kanals land. ly declared as Mahant of the Therefore, Thakur Ji selected of additions in the Gurudwara The Dera Nangali Sahib has Gaddi. Nangali Sahib for meditation complex which was constructed Sardar Harnam Singh a Sikh Project was announced by the then devotees, the sikhs from all cor- leader and associate of Mahant ners of the State and abroad a long historical background. As Prof. Netar Singh writes in and preaching of Sikhism. In by Bhai Morh Singh Ji. He also Government. Detailed Project Report per Tariq-e-Aqwam-e-Poonch his book 'Dera Nangali Sahib' 1814 AD during the first attack started Gurmukhi Pathshala at Bachitter Singh Ji told the S assemble there on the eve of Sangat before Guru Granth of Mohammad Din Foaq the that Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on Poonch and Bhantani (now in (DPR) was initiated in consultation with the Baisakhi, every year to pay Sahib that it was the will of Late offerings and obeisance. After 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji ascended to the Gaddi at the age Kashmir, Maharaja had estab- PoK). Central Water Commission. The pre-feasibility Maharaj after laying the founda- of 20 in 1803 AD at Rawalakote. lished royal camp at Bowali After the death of Bhai Mahant Ji that his true disciple Akhand Path, Shabad Kirtan Bhai Manjeet Singh Ji may be report of project prepared by M/s WAPCOS had Ardas, Bhog and Langer this tion of Khalsa Panth had deput- Immediately after the construc- near Poonch, visited Nangali Mangal Singh Ji, his disciple ed Bhai Pheru Singh Ji, Bhai tion of Samadhi of Saint Bhai Sahib and met Thakur Bhai Bhai Bachitter Singh Ji succeed- his successor. estimated a potential of generating 280 Mega religious function takes the Apart from spiritual and mis- shape of Mela in which thou- Punjab Singh Ji and Bhai Rocha Rocha Singh Ji at Rawalakote, Mela Singh Ji for blessing. In ed him on 23rd of October 1947. Singh Ji for spreading Sikhism he left the town with armed 1823 AD the Khalsa governor of During the happenings of 1947, sionary work, Mahant Bhai Watts of power and providing irrigation facilities sands of pilgrims including hin- Manjeet Singh Ji took interest in dus and muslims participate. On in Kashmir and Pothohar areas. devotees for mountainous areas Poonch Dewan Dhanpat Rai had Mahant ji was compelled to to 16743 hectares of agriculture land. However, Saint Bhai Pheru Singh Ji on religious tour and reached annexed two villages with come to Poonch town as the vil- further development of Dera. this occasion, eatables and other He constructed a new because of failure of the successive shops are established near the (1640-1697 AD) remained busy Poonch town in 1803 AD. Nangali Sahib for continuation lage Nangali Sahib too fell to in missionary work in Hazara Finding the environment of of Langer. In 1837 AD when enemy. After the liberation of Gurudwara Sahib at Nangali Governments to pay serious attention towards main Shrine. Games are also Sahib in memory of his prede- played. Gatka (the war game) is district on the Western side of Poonch town was not peaceful Raja Gulab Singh (later on who the village, Mahant Ji immedi- this project the process of preparation of DPR Poonch, Bhai Punjab Singh Ji and conducive for a saint to live become Maharaja of J&K) of ately rushed to Nangali Sahib cessor Mahant Bachitter Singh the main attraction of the Mela Ji. in which hundreds of sikh (1672-1729 AD) established his in, Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji Jammu came to Poonch on the but the original Gurudwara got stretched beyond imagination. Dera at Chattar Khalas in moved towards Bowli (present order of Maharaja Ranjit Singh complex was burnt and He purchased about 50 kanal youths in religious dresses with cultivable lands in Jhullas and In 2006, the Union Cabinet declared Ujh naked swords display their tal- Muzaffarabad and Bhai Rocha Nangali Sahib) which was a for subsiding Poonch revolt, he destroyed by the tribes men. Singh Ji, the disciple of Saint Hindu dominated village at that also visited Nangali Sahib Therefore, he was putting up in Chandak area for continuation Multipurpose Project a National Water ent. This year also all necessary of Langar. With his serious arrangements have been made Bhai Pheru Singh Ji was asked time. During his visit, Thakur shrine and attached a village a small room near the Dera. Resources Project with the assurance that 90% to establish his Gaddi (seat) in Bhai Mela Singh Ji saw a soli- with the shrine. Then he planned for construc- efforts, an Engineering College by the management committee and a B.Ed. College at Digiana of Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib Poonch Illaqa. Therefore, Saint tary place on the bank of Durga The great Saint Thakur Bhai tion of a big Gurudwara com- cost of irrigation and drinking water component Bhai Rocha Singh Ji (1688-1803 Nadi, a scenic spot. He found it Mela Singh Ji passed away in plex and started tours of villages Jammu have been established for the Mela. for deserving students. The would be provided as Central Grant and rest of Dera Sant Pura Sangali AD) came to Poonch Illaqa and suitable for meditation and 1854 AD. After that Saint Bhai and towns for collection of established the Dera (seat at decided to establish a Dera here. Mana Singh Ji (1854-1870 AD), donations. In the meantime, due Medical Collage is also being the 10% was to be borne by the State Sahib is about four kilometers established by Shri Man away from Poonch city. This Rawalakote now in PoK). He He at once decided to shift his Bhai Mangal Singh Ji (1870- to implementation of land Government from its own resources. The 90:10 constructed a Gurudwara, start- Dera from Rawalakote to this 1877 AD), Bhai Rattan Singh Ji reform act, all the Jagir of the Mahant ji. This is the main con- important shrine is located in tribution of Mahant Ji for the ratio was special favor to the J&K State taking between the Doda rang of ed Guru Ka Langar and preach- place. The devotees on his order (1878-1879 AD), Bhai Avtar shrine was taken over by the ing of Sikhism. With the sincere cleared the forests of Nangals Singh Ji (1879-1892 AD), Bhai Government except 182 kanal community. He has also taken a mountains on the left bank of number of social reforms. He is into account that it could not by its own Durga Nadhi (Drungli). It is said efforts of these saints, the new from some area and constructed Rattan Singh Ji Modi (1892- cultivable land. Out of this land religion got popularity among Kachha Gurudwara, Kitchen 1901 AD), and Bhai Morh Singh about 100 kanal got washed also planning to open a Medical resources undertake the critical project that that a great saint and spiritual College for the higher education personality of his time Thakur Hindu masses and they started and Musaffar Khana for the con- Ji (1901-1919 AD) remained the away in 1959 flood. Even then would transform the dry lands into arable lands. embracing Sikhism. venience of the pilgrims. In the Mahants of Dera Nangali Sahib. the construction of Gurudwara of children of remote and border Bhai Mela Singh establish Dera areas. His contribution in the Following submission of DPR of the project to Sant Pura Nangali Sahib at this Saint Bhai Rocha month of August 1803 AD, In 1919 AD when Bhai Mangal Sahib and continuation of Singh Ji died in 1803 AD. Thakur Bhai Mela Singh Ji for- Singh Ji attained the Gaddi of Langer was not stopped by field of education are remark- very place. In those days, the able. the Central Water Commission (CWC) in village was known as Bowli but Before his death he had nomi- mally inaugurated the Dera. As Nangali Sahib, the Raja of Mahant Ji and in 1966, three sto- September 2013 the process of conducting var- nated his disciple Thakur Bhai per Tarikh-e-Aquam-e-Poonch Poonch Sukhdev Singh also ried Gurudwara building was [email protected] ious studies including Environment Impact Kalyani Shankar "The president noted. The delim- Assessment (EIA) and site specific seismic itation of constituen- t was indeed heartening to assessment was initiated in consultation with President's call for electoral reforms cies is on the basis of the 1971 hear President Pranab census. has over 800 mil- Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development IMukherjee talking about the (1990), Vohra committee (1991) egories. One, reforms to cleanse Democratic Reforms (ADR), the stricter laws to control corrup- lion voters and the 543 Lok much-needed electoral reforms Corporation (JKSPDC). Indrajit Gupta committee the electoral system (debarring Commission had seized around tion. Sabha Constituencies represent on Saturday while addressing a (1998), Law Commission criminally-tainted politicians 300 crore of unaccounted cash Prime Minister Narendra 1.28 billion people. To cut it short by 2013 almost all the formali- function. The President pointed (1999), National Commission to from contesting, checking and more than 17,000 kg of Modi and President Pranab Women have been demand- ties and technicalities that needed to be com- out the need to correct certain review the Constitution (2001). money power, empowering the drugs, and large amount of Mukherjee have also been talk- ing 33 per cent reservation in areas regarding holding of elec- Election Commission of India - EC to deregister defunct and pleted prior to beginning the actual spadework, liquor and arms during the 2014 ing of simultaneous elections to Parliament as well as legisla- tions as there are aberrations. proposed reforms (2004), and dubious parties); two, reforms to Lok Sabha polls. Presently an Lok Sabha and Assemblies. This tures. The percentage of women had been completed and this process took near- Even the Chief Justice of India the second Administrative make the EC stronger and more estimated 70 per cent of all polit- would help save the Centre's in Parliament is abysmally low. has stated recently that the polit- ly 12 years. The more surprising thing about this reforms commission reports are independent (appointment of ical funding came from money on the polls. For this the The even passed ical parties should be held all gathering dust. Various com- Election Commissioners through unknown sources. Even the Law Centre, States as well as the this reservation bill on March 7, project is that after 2013, when all hurdles had accountable for their manifesto mittees have suggested methods a collegium, their elevation to Commission has expressed con- Election Commission should sit 2010, but the bill lapsed in Lok been overcome, the State Government's exe- promises. of dealing with money power CEC on the criterion of seniority cern about the dubious donors. together and find a solution. Sabha as there was no political The President's remarks are and muscle power. The Vohra and their protection from In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, After all, for two decades after will to get it through. The BJP cuting agencies just started dilly-dallying over timely for ensuring cleaner committee has noted that "some removal only through impeach- over Rs 500 crores had been col- independence the elections were had given up the pretence of the matter and year after year nothing was done polling, as big bang electoral political leaders become the ment as available to the CEC lected by political parties to con- held simultaneously and only even talking about it in its mani- reforms are long overdue. It is leaders of these gangs/armed and; three, reforms to make the to show that the Government was really interest- test the polls. The Government from the seventies it began to be festo in the 2014 Lok Sabha and also significant in view of the senas and over the years, get electoral system more efficient has already taken a step in the held at different times. There is subsequent Assembly polls. ed in this multipurpose project. Election Commission counter- themselves elected to local bod- (like the introduction of totaliser recent Budget that the political also concern about the long The Parliament discussed the The more disappointing thing about it is that manding the prestigious R.K. ies, State Assemblies, and machines to prevent disclosure parties cannot take cash of more phase of elections. The efficacy poll reforms recently and some Nagar by-elections in Tamil National Parliament. Even the of polling patterns in a polling than Rs.2000 from a particular of electronic voting machine has members wanted the present even the Coalition Government of PDP and BJP Nadu this week caused by the Model Code of Conduct stipulat- booth)."Above all, the EC has donor. Modi Government's idea also come into question. system for winners to be has been walking along the same policy of dilly- death of Chief Minister J. ed by the Commission has been been pressing for more powers of Electoral bonds are more to President Mukherjee had replaced by proportional repre- Jayalalithaa in December last. violated in the absence of back- to regulate the functioning of dallying as was adopted by the previous do with eliminating black money also talked about increasing the senting representation. The Sasikala faction had been ing for EC's powers. political parties. and less to do with electoral number of Lok Sabha seats from India is the biggest democra- Governments. Though the law makers raised found distributing money The Election Commission The black money spent dur- reforms. the present 543 seats. "To give cy and it has been functioning brazenly to the voters, which led has a long list it has been press- ing the polls is alarming. The the issue in session after session of the Election Commission has true expression to the will of the well for the past 70 years despite to the decision. ing for years. As former Chief candidates spend hundred times always been wary of the state people, it is time that we serious- many odds. Therefore electoral Assembly yet there was never a convincing The need for electoral Election Commissioner SY more than the EC stipulated funding insisting that this should ly look at the legal provisions on reforms would strengthen the reply from the Government. reforms has been talked about Qureshi says in his article in the amount. State funding of elec- be accompanied by the reforms the delimitation of the parlia- democracy further and there is for years. Many committees Indian Express on March 31, tions has been suggested by to curb criminalisation of poli- mentary constituencies with a need to attempt them sooner Is not this discrimination with Jammu region? have been setup to go into the 2017 "The EC's proposals could many of these committees. tics, financial transparency and view to increasing their number. than later. (IPA) If it is not, what else can it be called? The proj- issue. The Goswamy committee broadly be divided into three cat- According to Association for ect would have brought water to the dry lands in Harsha Kakar subdued nation but one whom the districts of Kathua and Samba and thus the world admires and seeks to he calls for boycott of the partner in development and ensure the livelihood of thousands of families of J and K by- elections and Countering anti-nationals security.The world body would peasants in these districts. The project was esti- Tinstigation of violence always criticize, it is their role. Srinagar have been overlooked since the present BJP havens abroad or in the country, (NSA) is valid throughout India against security forces deployed Israel has demonstrated how it mated to generate nearly 280 MW of power for its peaceful conduct by the and immediately forgotten. Government assumed power. they continue to support but not J and K. Being a secular, Stone throwing and anti-India In most countries, such Pakistan and incite the popula- open and tolerant democracy, handles world criticism, we which would have brought electricity to a large Hurriyat,over the weekend, has could take a leaf out of their been the latest in a series of anti- statements re-originated in the actions would result in the per- tion against the nation. Liberal security forces cannot resort to section of population in Jammu. People natural- same areas during the by-elec- petrators being imprisoned and funding from across the border, actions as undertaken in Russia, pages. national activities on Indian soil, The nation finally has a ly feel that they are being discriminated against which continues to be tolerated tions. Amongst the latest to join severely dealt with. In Pakistan, enables them to finance youth to China, Myanmar or Pakistan, the bandwagon and criticize the mere words of claiming to be a indulge in stone throwing, where similar offenders would leader who is willing to take firm particularly when there is no problem of funding silently by the State. It resulted and strong decisions. The in deaths and injuries to both nation has been the National Virat Kohli fan, landed a youth resulting in avoidable injuries vanish from the public eye, of the project. The State Government should Conference (NC) Leadership of in prison. Those supporting and deaths. They fail to mention almost never to be seen again. Government after decades has a parties, stone throwers and secu- clear majority and is gaining rity forces, as also lowered the Farooq Abdullah and his son secession of Baluchistan, Sind, casualties to security forces, Is the nation being too toler- shun lethargy and bias and take up the project Omar. Their comments, during PoK or Gilgit-Baltistan from caused by stone pelting and ant, especially when actions of power in almost all States going image of the nation in interna- to the polls on the BJP plank of for final clearance and the spadework should tional eyes. The last few years election rallies in Kashmir, sup- Pakistan or Xinjiang and Tibet aggressive actions by locals in anti-nationals impact national porting stone throwers including from China or Chechnya from encounters. It impinges security security. Our neighbours would being a no-nonsense begin without further loss of time. has witnessed a spurt in such Government. activities. calling them nationalists and Russia or even the Rohingya's forces operations and permits always create situations seeking seeking the intervention of from Myanmar are either abroad militants to flee. These are to weaken us, hence we need to Hence logically it possesses Anti-national protests in strong national backing and can JNU and Jadhavpur University Donald Trump to resolve the or in hiding and waging an actions against the state. adopt a firmer posture in deal- Army’s aircraft losses Kashmir issue was excessive. insurgency. None can demand Similar has been the case of ing with those acting against take tough measures. It is time in 2015, Delhi University (DU), When violence broke out on independence openly while liv- the Abdullah family. It enjoys our interests. Pakistan would we realize the seriousness of JNU and others last year indi- ndian Army has its own air force wing for per- election day, they blamed the ing within the country. It is a Indian largesse, but openly continue to raise the bogey of threat that anti-national activists forming certain errands in which Indian Air cate increased instigation at stu- Government, however, were crime punishable by death or encourages anti-Indian activi- Kashmir and our treatmentto pose to a cohesive nation. The dent levels by forces inimical to Government should realize that Force need not be involved. There are sever- responsible for inciting the even worse by being detained ties. The same family, while in the locals and we would aim to I the state. Possibly for the first locals. and tortured by the State. power,was holidaying when justify. Why should we defend if such actions are not stemmed al types of aircrafts and choppers which the time, sedition charges were Pak and ISIS flags have been However, the Government of Kashmiri Pandits were being those who seek to harm our now, they would only grow. army presses into service in times of emergency slapped against the ringleaders. witnessed flying in Kashmir at India, following a policy of tol- massacred and hounded out. It security? Time for tolerating anti-national In a surprising move, politicians regular intervals. These occa- erance has become extra soft took no action to stem the flow, Has Pakistan responded to forces is over. We need to enact and need. Very often the army is called upon to from opposition parties flocked sionally make an appearance at with its internal anti-national leading to a skewed demogra- international criticism on and implement specific laws to perform emergency rescue operations in a situ- JNU in 2015, professing solidar- other places in the country. The elements, especially in universi- phy in the valley, resulting in Baluchistan, China on Xinjiang nip such actions in the bud and ity but ended up encouraging playing of the Pak national ties and the Valley. the situation which the nation or Tibet, Russia on Chechnya or lock perpetrators behind ation of floods, fires and other natural calami- anti-national activists. anthem and wearing of their The nation has tolerated sep- faces today. Israel on Palestine? Even bars,throwing the keys into the ties. Army needs its own air support facility and Such activities from the pro- cricket team uniform in a friend- aratists for decades, including There has yet to be a serious Myanmar rarely defends its Dal lake or Indian Ocean. As a Pak Hurriyat have always been ly match in the Valley raised providing out of turn debate within the nation, on actions against Rohingya's. first step, the National Security that is the reason why it maintains its fleet of air- expected, despite them enjoying hackles across the nation, lead- Government jobs for their kith whether the government needs They ignore world criticism and Act should also be made applica- crafts. security and free living at the ing to the detention of those and kin, security, medical treat- to amend its laws or the courts continue to do what they con- ble to J and K. Replying to a question in the Parliament, the cost of the Indian tax payer. The involved. These are indicators of ment and free travel to them and should step in, to pass strictures sider best for national security. (The author is a retired Major support provided by the a surge in anti-national activi- their families. While they have against such acts and offenders. Why should we be any differ- General of the Indian Army) Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre Army in the recent floods in ties, with possibly an increase ensconced their children in safe The National Security Act ent? We are no longer a weak or [email protected] said that a total of 48 military aircraft and 21 hel- icopters were lost to crashes since 2011 in Vehicle Free Saturday Pay pensionary benefits which 79 people were killed. He added that each Sir, Sir, crash was inquired into and the discrepancies It is a matter of grave concern that the State This refers to the news item 'Leh admn takes historic decision to make Vehicle Free Communal divide were plugged if detected. Government is delaying issuance of notification of Sir, Saturday'(DE, April 2, 2017). It is heartening to read that District Administration Leh headed 7th recommendations which The question is that this is a fairly alarming by Hill Council Chairman Dr Sonam Dawa has taken a historic decision of starting a com- could have benefitted the State Government The election campaign for two Parliamentary con- number of losses of the air machines and the paign by coming to their respective offices on bicycles every Saturday and thus, set an exam- employees and pensioners. State Finance Minister stituencies witnessed exhibition of communal divide ple for the whole country to follow.This landmark initiative taken by the District Dr Haseeb Drabu is requested to immediately issue by the main stream politicians of the Valley. It is a human beings. At any cost the loss has to be Administration Leh, will help a lot to create awareness among the people regarding need to the notification regarding implementation of the 7th sorry state of affairs to mention here that they roused minimized and the responsible people at the conserve fuel and preserve the fragile environment for a better tomorrow.The fact is that we Pay Commission in favour of its employees and communal passions in their elections campaigns keep- are in the habit of using vehicles for carrying out errands such as bringing milk/vegetables pensioners, so that confusion and uncertainty ing all the moral code of conduct at bay. To win the seat helm of affairs should ensure that the loss level from the vendors, which we can easily do by walking or using bicycles.Cycling and walking among the employees of the State Govt and pen- by hook or crook without any thought of its repercus- is brought down. There is also the need of are good for toning up of our muscles and thus, keeping us fit and fine.So the need of the hour sioners on this vital issue could come to an end. sions is a matter of concern for the people in the State. is to cultivate the habit of walking and using bicycles, rather than public transport or cars, for Employees and pensioners hope that the Changing colours both in power and outside has updating the machines and dumping those that Government after taking into account the rising covering shorter distances.Such initiatives, besides reducing traffic congestion and checking exposed these politicians and cannot befool people fur- pollution, definitely help in promoting the culture of cycling and thus, help the people in stay- prices and medical expenses will pay interim relief are no more serviceable. We expect the ther. These politicians are fighting with the sole aim of ing healthy and fit.The fact that all the Government vehicles, except for emergency case, will to employees and pensioners preferably @ 20 per- Defence Ministry authorities and the Army personal growth and care least for the welfare of the be off the road in Leh on every Saturday, shows that the District administration is keen on cent. Government should also release 7 percent DA Headquarter to join heads and frame a long implementing this historic decision in letter and spirit.Such initiatives need to be adopted in due from July last in favour of State Govt employ- people. When in power they go for all praise for the Govt term policy that will be meeting periodically and every big and small city, especially in those cities which have been worst hit by alarming pol- ees and pensioners and enhance Medical allowance lution levels as according to WHO report, about half of the twenty most polluted cities across to Rs 3000 per month in favour of employees and in power at the Centre and if out of power join the peo- retiring the old and obsolete machines and the world are in India.Everybody ought to participate in such noble initiatives to save our envi- pensioners. ple who oppose National unity and sovereignty of the replacing these with fresh ones. This has to be ronment from and make our country pollution free for better and healthier living. Yours etc... country. Yours etc.... P K Peshin Yours etc... done with a view to increase operational capa- Ashok Sharma Blok A S N Raina bility. Udhampur Roop Nagar Enclave, Jammu Jammu