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POONCH: Nangali Ecology

BY: PROF. BARKAT SINGH AZAD

 

Symbol of Secularism

District Poonch has been famous for its secular amity among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs who form its population. In a way, Poonch can be described as replica of India that is known for its secular, democratic and socialist character.

 

An ecological park constructed at Holy Shrine of Nangali Sahib by Army involving different agencies under operation SADBHAWANA has become a symbol of secularism and brotherhood in Poonch district. District Poonch has been famous for its secular amity among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs who form its population. In a way, Poonch can be described as replica of India that is known for its secular, democratic and socialist character. Though the country, despite its high secular credentials, over the years has been experiencing occasional bickering between different communities that sometimes flare up in violent clashes Poonch district has the distinction of having no record of such incidents for which people chould feel ashamed. It is because of this clean record that people irrespective of creed and caste participate in each other’s religious and social functions with equal enthusiasm. The funerals are also attended by one and all without any religious considerations. If one wants to have a taste of composite culture let him come to Poonch and feel the fragrance oneself.

This brotherhood however is not a natural instinct. It in fact is due to preaching of revered saints like Baba Bengali ji of Dashnami Akhara, Bhai Dharam Dutt of Guru Niwas, Mahant Shabian of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib, Saien Mira Sahib of Guterian, Saien Illahi Baksh of Battle-Kote, Loran, Baba Budha Amarnath Rajpura, Mandi and Chote Shah Sahib Mendhar. People visit these places irrespective of religion, caste and creed and pay their obeisance and eat food in common lungers that strengthen bonds of love and brotherhood among them.

As has already been said in the very beginning, the Nangali Ecological Park is a true symbol of secularism. This park is the brainchild of Commander 93 Infantry Brigade, G.S Gill. In a flash flood a large tract of land belonging to the Holy Shrine of Dera Sant Pura, Nangali Sahib had been washed away some years ago, which due to efforts of Army with due consent of Mahant Manjeet Singh was reclaimed and a beautiful Ecological Park developed there. The foundation stone of the Park was laid by Lt. General V.K. Dutta Commander 25th Division on 26th of April 2006 and opened for general public on April 14, 2007 by Mahant Manjeet Singh during an impressive function wherein besides top officials of District administration prominent persons of the

district also participated. Today, this Park has not become source of attraction for a particular community; it has been drawing crowds of people belonging to different communities thereby strengthening the already existing bonds of brotherhood.

Needless to mention the relations between Army and civilians in the border district have always remained cordial and it is because of this reason that never ever has there been any complaint of Human Rights violations as are reported from other parts of the State. “Army is our friend lending us every possible help”, claim civilians. These traditions are the gift of the then Commander of 93 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Pritam Singh who and whose men had won people’s hearts by their humanly attitude towards people suffering from the wounds of partition way back in 1947. Since then Indian Army has maintained the rich tradition and helped people come out of their miseries caused due to foreign aggression whether in 1965, 1971 or during the on going proxy war. Army has been helpful towards general public in their fight against natural calamities like earth quakes and flash floods also that are a common phenomenon in the area.