Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, June 27: Thousands of devotees thronged the famous shrine of Baba Chamliyal, on the International Border (IB) in Ramgarh sector of district Samba for an annual fair today, but there was no traditional exchange of ‘Shakkar and Sharbat’ with Pakistan for the second successive year.
This famous fair involving people from both sides of the border since decades, at the shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas- a saint popularly known as ‘Baba Chamliyal’, in Samba district, was cancelled last year, following the killing of four BSF personnel in an incident of unprovoked firing by Pakistani Rangers on our jawans on June 12.
A senior BSF official said since there was no formal communication between Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force, no delegation came from Pakistan side and there was no exchange of ‘ Chadar’ or ‘ Shakkar’ (sacred clay) and ‘ Sharbat’ (water). Moreover, there was no formal request for a flag meeting from the other side, he added.
It is said that Baba Chamliyal, after whom the village on the zero line in Ramgarh sector of Samba is named, lived about 300 years ago and is revered by the people of all faiths.
The fair became popular since November, 2003 after a ceasefire and parallel peace initiatives by both the countries. While it is held for three days at the shrine complex on the Indian side, it is also held for a week on the opposite side of the border at Saidanwali village of Sialkote district in Pakistan.
Till 1971, Pakistani nationals were allowed to come to the Indian side of the border to pay obeisance at the shrine. However, after the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the practice was stopped. Since then, only a delegation of Pakistan Rangers is allowed to come to offer ‘Chadar at the Shrine and in return, carries ‘Shakkar and Sharbat’ from Baba’s Shrine for the devotees in Pakistan.
“Over two lakh devotees from across the country have attended the Mela so far and we have made all necessary arrangements for their comfort,” a senior officer in district administration Samba said
Many devotees claimed to have healed their skin ailments after visiting the shrine. The officer said the mela started on June 25 and concluded today with major activity like setting of stalls and entertainment for kids organised in the last three days.
“This shrine is the biggest example of communal harmony and people of both sides of the IB used to offer their prayers together. We are in favour of good neighbourly relations between the two countries to usher peace in the region,” a local resident Vakil Singh said.
Singh said the people not only from State but also from other parts of the country visit here. Those having skin related ailments stay at the shrine for few days and undergo treatment by applying clay paste, mixed with well water. The patients are asked to take some precautions like avoiding use of soap on the affected skin part and sleep on the ground for some days. Many people visit this shrine with skin related ailments and go happily after recovery, Vakil Singh said.
He said besides district administration Samba, good arrangements are made by the BSF for the smooth conduct of this annual fair.
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