Toshakhana is state's property: Charak

Jammu, Dec 27: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak today said the precious treasure of Toshakhana Mubarak Mandi belongs to state and not any individual or family.

Talking to mediapersons here at press conference the minister said the state government is aware of its proper protection and its shifting from burnt complex of mubarak mandi to strong room of civil secretariat is for its proper maintenance and protection.

He said all the items were properly documented and listed and anyone could get details of any item.

''A society for the Preservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex has already been constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for the reconstruction of Mubarak Mandi Complex and new complex would be projected as one of the prestigious Heritage Complexs of j k state,'' he said.

''For this purpose, central government has already approved of Rs 43 crore out of which Rs 5 crore stands released,'' he said adding that the treasure proper protection will be transferred back to Mubarak Mandi Complex after proper protected structure of Toshkhana is completed under this project.

The Minister today also visited Toshakhana Mubarik Mandi.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Director Archives and other senior Officers.

Mr Charak also checked the locker in which all the items were intact and examined weaponary and other items kept in other single room.

''All these items of toshakhana would be temporary shifted to New Secretariat, Jammu. The renovation work has already been started in the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and after its completion these items would be housed in the Mubarak Mandi Complex,'' he said.

UNI