MUZAFFARABAD: The cultural and archaeological heritage of the picturesque Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is under serious threat, a researcher warned. 

However, officials of the archaeological department claimed they do not have the necessary expertise or workforce to tackle the problem.

Civil society activists in the valley alleged that in the third week of March a group of villagers unearthed some antique artifacts, including a precious gold statuette, from Rawota, a village located a few kilometres from the district headquarter Athmuqam, on the left bank of River Neelum.

Initially, Athmuqam police apprehended six villagers for violating the antiquities law but later freed them, citing lack of proof as the reason. However, the activists claimed the accused were freed because of political pressure.

“There is no doubt, unrestrained unlawful activities are causing irreparable loss to the cultural and archaeological heritage of the Neelum Valley,” said Rukhsana Saiid Khan, a PhD scholar at the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations (TIAC), Quaid-i-Azam University.

A researcher claims illegal digging taking place in Neelum Valley

Ms Khan has been working for the promotion and protection of the archeological and cultural heritage of the AJK since 2012. She has documented over a hundred archaeological sites, mostly in Neelum Valley, under the umbrella of TIAC as project coordinator to the Higher Education Commission sponsored study on “endangered archaeological and cultural heritage of AJK”. 

“The illegal digging and illicit trafficking of precious artifacts of the Neelum Kishenganga Valley continues, warranting proactive measures on the part of administration and police,” she told Dawn, upon her return from the valley on Sunday.

The purpose of this latest visit was to verify reports of illegal digging in Rowata village.

“I examined the site and collected evidence. I found fragments of the pitcher, which contained the centuries-old gold statuette that has been allegedly stolen,” she said.

Ms Khan said the material used to make the pitcher confirmed that it was ancient and had linkages with the Sharda Civilisation.

“According to a picture shared by the local civil society activists with TIAC, the figurine/deity appears to be representing the world of demons, thus revealing another striking aspect of Sharda Civilisation,” she said.

Ms Khan told Dawn that she also interviewed villagers, including one who admitted to carrying out the digging. He claimed that he was not aware that digging in the area was prohibited by law.

Ms Khan said she also shared her concerns with a senior police official in Athmuqam in Neelum Valley. 

“The official assured me that police will register FIR against the alleged culprits, if a complaint is lodged by the civil society,” she said.

The AJK Preservation and Protection of Antiquities Act, 1986, states that whosoever discovers or accidentally finds any moveable antique artifact, is bound to preserve it and inform the secretary archaeology within 30 days for the purpose of custody, preservation or protection.

However, no full-fledged archaeological department exists in the AJK, despite discovery of dozens of archaeological sites. Under the Rules of Business, the archaeological department is part of the tourism department and operates without relevant experts.

“I admit, we do not have the required expertise or the workforce to take care of the issue,” Tourism Director Pirzada Irshad Ahmed told Dawn.  

“We have to rely on outsiders or departments such as TIAC for technical expertise,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play