THIS is apropos of Jagdesh Ahuja`s letter, `Historical look at Hingol` (March 5) in which he correctly points out that the Hinglaj site, where the temple of Nani is located in the vicinity of the river Hingol in Lasbella district of Balochistan, is revered by both Hindus and Muslims alike.
Mr Ahuja has cited the Sur Ramkali of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in his support. Indeed, Latif had been to Hinglaj and he composed Sur Ramkali in reverence of the Nani Ama and the visiting jogis.
Thus, to a disciple of Latif, Hinglaj is a place which gives the lesson of inter-faith harmony which is the need of the hour.
It is strange that the government intends to build a dam on the river Hingol which will inundate the historical Hinglaj site.
One cannot be anti-development but such development should not be at the expense of human sentiments.
The dam is meant to benefit the local Baloch but they oppose its construction as a mark of respect for Hindus, so what is the need to build it.
I also endorse Mr Ahuja`s proposal to declare Hinglaj as a heritage of the Indus Valley and humankind by the UNESCO.
DR MEHTAB ALI SHAH
Jamshoro
