Jammu Tawi: Gulchain Singh Charak, Former Minister and President Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) J&K addressed a press conference here today informing that a meeting of the Executive body was held in the Sabha Bhawan in which the members warmly acknowledged the re-establishment of a popular government after six years of President’s rule, imposed in J&K on October 31, 2019. The DSS commended the peaceful conduct of elections despite numerous challenges and extended gratitude to the security forces for ensuring this historic milestone. While acknowledging the progress made by the UT government on various development projects, the DSS raised serious concerns about unresolved issues that remain pending or deviate from the aspirations of the Dogras, representing all communities and sections of society.
The Sabha expressed satisfaction over the commencement of work on the Tawi Artificial Lake but raised alarms over the recurring breaches in the Ranbir Canal near Dharap village. These breaches have deprived irrigation to approximately 64,000 hectares of farmland, resulting in significant agricultural losses. Charak further emphasized the DSS’s strong opposition to the UT government’s plans to convert the historic Rani Charaki Palace into a hotel. While appreciating the renovation efforts on the Jambu Lochan monument, the DSS pointed out that restricted access due to the blocked Gen NC Vij Road and vehicle parking in front of the monument have obscured its view. The DSS also expressed dismay over the decision to shift archives from the Mubarak Mandi complex, stressing that this move would leave the historic complex without its core. The Sabha urged the government to reconsider and relocate the archives and around 29,000 books from the old library to a suitably modified building within the complex to ensure continued access for scholars and researchers.
The Sabha also reiterated its demand for the establishment of a Duggar Satellite Channel to promote Dogra culture, language, and traditions, arguing that such a channel is crucial for preserving the identity of Duggar Pradesh in an era of globalization. Prominent participants included Col. Karan Singh, G.A. Khwaja, Brig. M S Jamwal, Col. Dr. Virendra K. Sahi, Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Amanat Ali Shah, Abdul Majid, Adv. H A Siddiqui, Adv. H C Jalmaria, and others.
