MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government is considering relocating the occupants of a heritage site near the Line of Control (LoC) under a donor-funded programme to ensure both their safety and the restoration of the historic structure for tourism purposes.

This was disclosed by Chaudhry Mukhtar Hussain, Divisional Commissioner of Mirpur, following his visit to Sarai Saadabad located just five kilometres short of the heavily militarised LoC in Samahni valley of Bhimber district. The visit was made on the instructions of AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.

Accompanied by Bhimber Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Haq Nawaz and other officials, the commissioner conducted a detailed inspection of the Mughal-era inn. During the visit, he also observed the living conditions of the current residents and interacted with their representatives.

He was informed that around 33 families had been residing within the 12-kanal compound, which once served as a transit camp for Mughal emperors during their annual journeys between Punjab and Kashmir.

Across the LoC, along this route, lies Chingus Sarai in the Rajouri district of Indian-held Jammu. The Samahni valley is home not only to Sarai Saadabad but also to the imposing Baghsar Fort perched at 3,422 feet on the Kalidhar ridge.

Historical accounts state that on the return journey from Kashmir to Lahore in October 1627, Emperor Jahangir died somewhere between Chingus Sarai and Sarai Saadabad. To prevent a war of succession, his wife Empress Noor Jehan concealed his death and ordered the removal of his intestines and entrails to delay decomposition until they reached Lahore.

There are conflicting claims regarding the burial site of the emperor’s entrails. Some historians say they were interred at Chingus Sarai - where a grave exists in the middle of the compound - while others believe the burial occurred at Baghsar Fort, where a larger grave stands near the entrance.

In July 2019, the AJK government designated around 85 structures and sites, including Sarai Saadabad, as ‘protected antiquities’ and transferred their control to the Department of Tourism and Archaeology. This list was later expanded.

Commissioner Hussain emphasised that while preserving the heritage site was important, the immediate concern was the safety of the families living in impoverished conditions there due to their extreme vulnerability to cross-LoC shelling.

He said he had earlier brought the matter to the prime minister’s attention, who then ordered suitable arrangements for the residents’ resettlement.

“The relocation and resettlement of these families will facilitate the restoration of this historical site in accordance with heritage laws while also ensuring the safety of the inhabitants in the event of any future escalations,” he said.

He said no forced eviction would occur. Instead, modern homes would be built for the families based on verified records, and the keys would be handed over to the rightful owners in a respectful and dignified manner before relocation begins.

“The restoration of the Sarai to its original form will commence afterwards,” he added.

Commending the resilience of the local population, he said their unwavering courage in the face of the enemy was admirable, and assured them that the government would take full responsibility for their care and wellbeing.

Later, speaking to Dawn, Mr Hussain confirmed that land for the relocation had already been identified and the government was preparing for the next stage.

“Given the government’s limited financial resources, we would welcome support from national and international donors willing to help build houses for these families,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2025