By Chief of Bureau Neelima
Jammu: This is the story of a dargah situated in Samba District… It’s a mystical place where a deluge of faith from across the International Border (I.B.) swamps the barriers of hatred, religion and community between two countries as pilgrims from both India and Pakistan throng the shrine to allow an incessant stream of brotherhood and love to flow.
A mela – which is a tradition dating back in excess of three centuries – is held annually at Baba Chamliyal’s shrine in June. People from both South Asian neighbours are ardent devotees of ‘Pir sahib’ Dalip Singh Manhas. On the same day, the Baba Chamliyal Mela takes place in Sialkot District. The atmosphere on the border transforms on this day as thousands of hands are raised to pray for peace. Flags of both nations flutter next to each other. Pakistan Rangers’ personnel offer chaadar on behalf of that country’s believers. Officers of the B.S.F. and the administration welcome guests amidst music. Both sides exchange fruits and sweets. Pre-1971, civilians from across the I.B. arrived here to offer their respects but after the War security along the border became strict and the common man was denied permission to travel to this side.
Followers from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are observed. Water found there is referred to as sharbat and the soil as shakkar. The Rangers are gifted sharbat and shakkar in tankers and tractors.
In the words of State Director (Tourism) Sushma Chauhan, “The Department submitted a Rs. 3.90-crore D.P.R. under which a glass gallery would be created at the dargah. An ancient well will also be developed and a museum – based on the Baba’s life – constructed. The D.P.R. includes overall development of the surrounding area, landscaping and parking facility.”
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti – who attended this year’s fair – wishes to extend a hand of friendship to the people of Pakistan by promoting this symbol as a border tourism spot.
“Chamliyal village would be developed. In view of its socio-religious significance, it could emerge as the hub for a reconciliation movement in the region. The cultural affinity between India and Pakistan is extremely vigorous to resist. People-to-people contact should be encouraged to remove mistrust and create a congenial atmosphere for dialogue. Transforming rivalry into a mature, productive relationship will be difficult but the consequences of continued animosity shall be much worse. I hope our good intentions are reciprocated by our neighbour,” she avers.