STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A delegation of the National Panthers Party (NPP) leaders led by Chairman JKNPP and former Minister, Harsh Dev Singh on Wednesday submitted a memorandum in the Office of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, New Delhi.
Harsh pointed out in the memorandum that the demand for a full fledged ‘Duggar Channel’ has been projected by various social, cultural and literary organisations for the best several years which unfortunately has gone unaddressed and unattended. He said that the assurances given by successive governments in the past on the subject have proved to be mere hyperboles. He further said that the demand is most genuine and deserves priority consideration of the GOI so as to project and promote the rich culture and heritage of Jammu region.
While the operationlisation of Kashir Channel by DD Kashmir is welcome, the denial of Dugger Channel for Jammu is deplorable, he added.
Making out a strong case for Duggar Channel, Singh maintained that the credit for raising the geographical and political state of Jammu and Kashmir and consolidation and securing of nation’s boundaries goes to Dogras. Only recently, he pointed out that 18 Jawans of 6 Dogra Regiment sacrificed their lives in Manipur for the defense of the nation. Majority of Dogras have joined armed forces and are fighting for the defense of our land and for safeguarding our frontiers. He argued that it will also be a tribute to our valiant Dogra soldiers and warriors who have made countless sacrifices with their great conquests in the Himalayan region extending up to Tibet.
“Dogras have further contributed to the process of nation building in all walks of life including music, arts, drama, economy, education etc. Dogri Language has produced eminent men of letters who have made meaningful contributions in the field of journalism, poetry, science and literature. The proposed channel would provide opportunities to several talented youth and students besides others to display their ingenuity and skill,” he added.
Singh said ‘Duggar Channel’ if operationalised would cater to estimated 32,200 sq kms of area including vast area of Himachal as well as huge population on the other side of LoC. On the contrary Kashir Channel is catering to only around 15,900 sq kms. Further, even the sister languages like Gojri, Mirpuri, Punjabi, Pahari, Poonchi and Bhaderwahi will also get a boost if Duggar Channel is made functional, he stated. The demand for the channel is not only being raised by people residing in Jammu region but also by non-resident Dogras who wish to remain in touch with their rich traditions and vibrant cultural roots, he said.
The delegation comprised of Rajiv Jolly Khosla, Romesh Khajuria and Sudesh Dogra.
