JAMMU, Nov 7: Shaheed Kissan Baba Jitto Sangharsh Samiti (SKBJSS), led by its President Partap Singh Jamwal, has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to immediately make the newly constructed Indoor Stadium at Jhiri (Marh) operational and install a permanent name board displaying “Baba Jitto Indoor Stadium” at its main entrance before the commencement of the annual Jhiri Mela.
In a formal appeal submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, the Samiti expressed gratitude for the historic initiative of reclaiming encroached land at Jhiri and utilising it for the construction of a modern indoor sports complex for the youth of the border region.
The organisation stated that the facility would provide valuable opportunities to local youngsters, encourage participation in sports, promote emerging talent and help keep youth away from social evils, particularly drug abuse.
Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Baba Jitto Ji, the Samiti described the 15th-century peasant saint and martyr as an immortal symbol of sacrifice, social justice and farmers’ dignity. It said Baba Jitto Ji is revered across communities and that the annual Jhiri Mela reflects Jammu’s rich cultural heritage, brotherhood and communal harmony.
The Samiti recalled that before the inauguration of the stadium, local residents and the organisation had requested the Lieutenant Governor to name the facility after Baba Jitto Ji. The demand was accepted, and the name “Baba Jitto Indoor Stadium” was prominently displayed on the digital screen during its virtual inauguration. The organisation expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for respecting public sentiments.
However, Partap Singh Jamwal expressed concern over the delay in implementing the decision on the ground and highlighted two pending issues. He pointed out that despite its inauguration, the stadium had not yet been formally made operational for local players and youth. Moreover, a permanent physical name board displaying “Baba Jitto Indoor Stadium” was still missing from the main entrance and outer walls.
The Samiti observed that the absence of the approved name board and the non-operational status of the facility had disappointed local residents and did not reflect the spirit of the decision taken during the inauguration.
Keeping in view the upcoming annual Jhiri Mela, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, the organisation urged the Lieutenant Governor to issue immediate directions to the local administration and the J&K Sports Council to complete both pending works before the commencement of the festival.
The Samiti specifically demanded that the stadium be made fully operational without further delay and that a grand, permanent and attractive name board bearing the title “Baba Jitto Indoor Stadium” be installed at its main entrance.
Partap Singh Jamwal expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would personally intervene and ensure the timely fulfilment of these demands, stating that the initiative would honour Baba Jitto Ji’s glorious legacy while fulfilling the aspirations of local youth.