Editorial
Heritage sites under threat
Protect them from vandalism
We are concerned at the reports of regular pillaging of invaluable artifacts such as ornamental terracotta pieces and antiques from various heritage sites in the country. A strong nexus of thieves and smugglers are reported to be active in and around the ruins, pillaging whatever is left there to sell in the black market. The very fact speaks a lot about how unprotected these sites are and how unfeeling we are as a nation in protecting our culture and tradition. Some of these places have been declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, attaching immense importance to their glorious history that date back into antiquity, and their place in the world culture at large. The structures and artifacts in the weather-beaten relics and ruins carry the imprints of the craftsmanship of our artisans and the aesthetic taste of our ancestors. Therefore, in no way must we let them fall into the hands of thugs. We feel there are two things that the authorities concerned may give full efforts to accomplish in order to put an end to such pillaging. One, they should go on a drive in the city markets to recover the stolen antiques; second, they must enforce the Antiquities Act 1968 in full force to discourage future thieves from daring to steal from our heritage sites. It needs no emphasising that we must preserve our past for the future generations so that the link remains unbroken.
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