Devika movement achieves a major success: Harsh Dev
UDHAMPUR, Oct 2: The sustained public movement for the protection, restoration and rejuvenation of the historic Devika religious and cultural heritage today entered a new phase with the conclusion of the hunger strike and the taking out of a Victory Procession followed by a Cleanliness Drive at Devika.
The hunger strike was brought to an end in view of the decisions taken and assurances given by the District Administration during meetings held with the representatives of the movement. The conclusion of the Hunger Strike, therefore, marks not an end to the movement, but a new beginning for the collective struggle for the dignity, cleanliness, sanctity and proper development of Devika.
The Victory Procession witnessed enthusiastic participation by supporters and members of the public. During the procession, slogans including “Panthers India Zindabad!”, “Devika Maa Ki Jai Ho!”, “Devika Maiya Ka Utthan!”, “Panther India Ki Pehchan!”, “Dharmik Sthaloon Ki Loot Nahin Sahenge!”, “Jaat Aur Mazhab Ke Naam Par Takseem Nahin Karne Denge!” were raised, reflecting the resolve of the people to protect Devika as a shared symbol of Jammu’s spiritual, cultural secular and civilisational heritage.
The procession culminated in a Cleanliness Drive at Devika, sending out a clear message that devotion to Devika must also translate into responsibility towards its cleanliness, environment and surroundings.
Addressing the gathering, Harsh Dev Singh, President, JKNPP (India), said that the conclusion of the hunger strike was the result of the collective determination of the people and the constructive engagement with the District Administration.
“We have ended the hunger strike because decisions have been taken and assurances have been given by the District Administration. We have chosen the path of dialogue because our objective is to secure results for Devika and its people. But let there be no misunderstanding: ending the hunger strike does not mean ending the movement. It marks the beginning of the next phase.”
He said that the people had demonstrated that a peaceful, disciplined and determined public movement could compel attention to issues concerning their heritage, environment and public institutions.
“Devika is not the property of any individual, party or group. Devika belongs to the people. Its sanctity, its environment, its religious significance and its heritage have to be protected collectively. We will neither allow Devika to be neglected nor permit the sentiments of the people to be taken for granted.”
Harsh Dev Singh further stated that the administration would now be expected to translate its assurances and decisions into visible action on the ground.
“We welcome every positive decision and every genuine assurance. But from today onwards, we will also watch the implementation. Words must be followed by action, decisions must be followed by execution and assurances must be honoured within a reasonable time. The people have shown patience; they will also remain vigilant.”
Harsh strongly reiterated that the Devika movement would remain above caste and religious divisions.
“Our slogan is clear – “Jaat aur Mazhab ke naam par takseem nahin karne denge. Aur Jaat aur Mazab ke naam par dange bhadkane walon ko Karara Jawab Denge”. We will not allow vested interests to provoke and divide people on caste or religion. Devika represents the civilisational spirit of Jammu and must remain a place that brings people together, not one that becomes a source of division.”
He said that the movement would continue to oppose any attempt to exploit religious sentiments for political or personal gain.
“Dharmik sthalon ki loot nahin sahenge. The issue of Loot of Rs. 550 crore from precious metals from Mata Vaishno Devi and Thousands of crores from Ram Temple Ayodhya will also be raked up. Faith cannot become a licence for exploitation, and religious sentiments cannot be used as a shield against accountability. The people have a right to demand transparency, cleanliness, proper management and responsible utilisation of public money wherever public projects are concerned.”
The cleanliness drive undertaken immediately after the victory procession was described as particularly significant.
Harsh Dev Singh said, “We do not merely want to speak about Devika; we want to serve Devika. If we call Devika ‘Devika Maiya’, then keeping her surroundings clean is our collective duty. Today’s cleanliness drive is therefore both symbolic and practical. It is a pledge that our movement will combine protest with responsibility.”
He appealed to the administration, devotees, local residents and visitors to collectively maintain the cleanliness and dignity of the Devika premises.
Concluding his message, Harsh Dev Singh said, “We will remain peaceful, democratic and uncompromising on the protection of Devika, public accountability and the dignity of our people.”