Una, August 20: A delegation from the Kabir Panthi community, led by Kabir Panthi Welfare Board member Dev Raj Shandil and Kabir Panthi Samaj Sudhar Sabha Una President Suresh Kumar, met Kuldeep Kumar—Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Castes Commission and former minister—on Thursday. They sought the allocation of funds for the construction and repair of cremation grounds in various panchayats across the Gagret and Chintpurni assembly constituencies of Una district. The delegation submitted a memorandum urging the allocation of ?5 lakh for each of the seven concerned panchayats for this purpose. Commission members Dr. Vijay Dogra and Shalini Jamwal were also present on the occasion.
The memorandum stated that due to the lack of cremation ground facilities for Kabir Panthi settlements and other families in several local panchayats, residents are forced to travel to distant locations to perform last rites. Difficulties also arise in many places due to the absence of proper access roads. While local residents are willing to provide land for cremation grounds, construction has been stalled due to a lack of funds. Repairs are also required for existing cremation grounds in some locations.
The delegation requested the allocation of ?5 lakh per panchayat for the construction or necessary repair of cremation grounds in the Lohara Upper, Mandoli, Amb Tilla, Sarda, Suri, Chauar, and Polian Prohitan panchayats.
After listening seriously to the delegation's demands, Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar remarked that the issue—pertaining to a basic facility like cremation grounds—is deeply linked to human sentiments. He assured them that the matter would be raised at the appropriate level and efforts would be made to initiate necessary action in accordance with the rules