JAMMU, Oct 19: A delegation of the Shaheed Kissan Baba Jitto Sangharsh Samiti (SKBJSS) on Friday met Deputy Commissioner Jammu and submitted a memorandum seeking measures to preserve the religious sanctity, cultural dignity and historical significance of the upcoming Jhiri Mela.
The delegation urged the district administration to ensure that the historic fair, held at the Dev Sthan of Baba Jitto Ji in Jhiri, is organized in accordance with the religious beliefs, cultural traditions and sentiments of devotees.
The Samiti highlighted that Baba Jitto Ji symbolizes farmers’ rights, justice, equality and sacrifice, and said the annual Mela organized in his honour should reflect these values. It expressed concern over alleged objectionable flex banners, vulgar displays and certain theatrical performances during previous editions of the fair, stating that such activities had hurt public sentiments and prompted repeated protests.
The delegation urged the administration and organizers to take preventive measures well in advance and carefully select singers, performers and entertainment programmes to ensure that nothing undermines the dignity and religious importance of the occasion.
Emphasizing that the Baba Jitto Mela is more than an entertainment event, the Samiti described it as an important symbol of farmers’ pride, religious faith, social harmony and Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage. It called for coordinated efforts by the administration, organizers and society to preserve its traditional character.
The delegation also raised the issue of installing a permanent signboard bearing the name “Baba Jitto Indoor Stadium” at the main entrance of the newly constructed indoor stadium at Jhiri.
According to the Samiti, the Lieutenant Governor had virtually inaugurated the stadium under this name, which was also displayed on the official digital screen during the inauguration. However, the delegation expressed concern that a permanent physical signboard had not been installed at the entrance despite several days having passed since the inauguration.
The Samiti requested the Deputy Commissioner to direct the concerned departments to install the official nameboard at the earliest, stating that the step would honour Baba Jitto Ji’s legacy and respect public sentiments.
The delegation expressed hope that the district administration would take timely action on both issues to ensure that the upcoming Jhiri Mela is conducted with dignity, decorum and due respect for its historical and religious significance.
The delegation comprised Partap Singh Jamwal, president of SKBJSS; Garu Sharma, Arun Seekay, Th. Dev Karan Singh, Ravi Tangotra, Nikhil Sharma, Kapil Mehra, Bhanu Partap, Devinder Bhau, S. Sukhvinder, Vikrant Sharma, Deepan Seekay, Sawan Chib, Ranjeet Rakwal, S. Gurjeet Singh, Dixit Sharma, Sidhant Sharma, Aman Sharma, Vrinder Kumar, Neeraj Langeh and other members.
Surinder Singh Gilli, representative of the Rajput community, founder of YRS and BJP leader, also extended support to the delegation. He stated that the Jhiri Mela is an integral part of Jammu’s identity and stressed that the administration must ensure the preservation of its dignity, sanctity and cultural integrity.
He said safeguarding the fair’s historical and cultural heritage was essential to maintaining the honour and respect associated with Baba Jitto Ji and his legacy.