By: SAJJAD KARGILI

Grave yard of Sultan Mohammad cho Kargil’s First Muslim King.

Kargil, April 28, 2017

Kargil’s first Muslim King Khree Sultan Mohammad Cho, whose resting place is at Karpo kher area of Sankoo Sub-Division, is in a dilapidated condition.

The King was one of the major supporters of Mir Syed Hashim, eminent Islamic preacher. Sultan Cho embraced Islam in 18^th century on the call of Mir Syed Hashim. The shrine of Mir Syed Hashim is just a few yards away from Khree sultan Mohammad Cho’s graveyard.  

The people of the area accuse that this dilapidated condition of the grave yard is just because of the sheer neglect by the government.

The different wings of Government like archaeology and tourism are not paying any attention to develop it as a spot for tourism and history lovers. 

 There are several monuments of historical importance which need the attention of government, the remains of these monuments are on the verge of decay and needs immediate attention of the Government.

Under the Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 any structure which has been in existence for not less than 100 years can be declared as a monument of National importance.Not a single monument or structure related to the history of Kargil finds a place in the list of Protected Monuments of National Importance under the said Act.LAHDC Leh has done a commendable job in this regard by getting most of the ancient monasteries of Leh like the Likir Monastary,Lamayuru,Phyang,Teisurru Stupa and many other monasteries, palaces and Stupas of Leh enlisted in the list of Protected Monuments of National Importance.

The historical places of Kargil also doesn’t reflect in the list of State Protected Monuments ,which clearly points out the neglect by the state government also.

LAHDC Kargil which was established in 2002 with the object of providing a government at local level to address the special developmental needs of the people of Kargil has also miserably failed to serve the people in this regard. The only Service rendered by the local government to the legacy of Khree Sulatan Cho is the mere naming and ribbon cutting of the play field at Baimathang Kargil,which is also otherwise in dilapidated condition.