The fort is in a deteriorating condition, and the future of this historical place, where Maharaja Ranjit Singh stayed, seems to be dismal. Slowly and steadily the structure is coming down because no repair is being done to preserve the fort. Only a portion, where the descendants of Sham Singh are staying, has been repaired. Since they have an emotional attachment to this place they are making all out efforts to preserve the building, though t of them are now settled abroad.
The original have in the fort where Sham Singh used to stay does not exist now because no efforts were made to preserve it and only its remains can be seen. Seeing the ruins of this structure one is filled with emotion. The portion of the fort, where the General’s family members stay, is in a deplorable condition. If no efforts are made to preserve this portion, this will soon be in ruins and there will be nothing for future generations to see. The government had announced Rs 50 lakh grant for the fort’s repairs and maintenance but due to financial problems faced by the state, no funds have been released till date. The promise made by Chief Minister Badal to preserve this fort remains follow and nothing has been done so far.
Owing to the indifferent attitude of the government this place, which has great historical importance, has not been made a tourist spot as it is situated on the main road connecting Amritsar and Lahore, and is just situated 1 km from the Wagah border.
At present a modern structure has been raised in the fort, built by the descendants of Sham Singh but a portion of it is still in the old style. A sword, "khanda", "nagara" and binoculars of the general are still with family members who want to display them only if museum is set up here and steps are taken by government to make it a tourist spot.
This fort was constructed in 1830 when Sham Singh came from Kaonke. The family originally belonged to Jaisalmer. After coming here Sham Singh developed rapport with Maharaja Ranjit Singh and went on to become a General in his army. After the Maharaja’s death, Sham Singh left the army and came to Attari, where he stayed till his death.
Jasjit Singh, who is a grandson of Sham Singh, said this fort was used by the Army during the 1965-1971 war as it was at a height. "We feel very bad seeing the present condition of this historic fort but are unable to do much due to lack of funds," he stated. It could be preserved only if the government extended a hand. He says the family of Sham Singh had been ignored in his homeland.
Harpreet Sidhu, a great grandson of Sham Singh, who stays in the fort, said he was emotionally attached to his place and therefore stayed here but the government had done nothing to preserve it. The samadhis of Sham Singh, his father Nihal Singh, a family elder Mai Dasi, also stands and are looked after by the family. The government had announced grants for them and promised to erect a statue of Sham Singh, but nothing has been done yet.
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