FAISA LABAD: The government has turned a blind eye to a monument built in the memory of MirzaSahiban at Chak 585, Sohnywali (Jaranwala).

Walayat Kharal, an aged man who is the caretal(er of the monument comprising a single room and encircled by fields on a vast area, told this correspondent that he had been struggling for years to get funds to preserve the place which also has a grave of Rai Wanjhal Khan, the father of Mirza.

One can`t easily find the `shrine` as the road leading to it passes through a deserted area. Only an unpaved path crossing the field is connecting with the shrine which has no signboard for visitors` guidance. The government, says Kharal, seems least bothered about the monument and a historical tree of Jhand under which, according to a myth, both Mirza and Sahiban were killed.

There is no roof of the room and `we had managed a few thousand rupees for its construction.` The room had been constructed about 30 years ago.

`My father was without issue and once Mirza came in his dream and asked him to keep praying to God to bless him with children and also start serving at his shrine.

God answered the prayer of my father and gifted him three sons. For decades, we have been serving the shrine regularly and make arrangements for anniversary, Kharal claims.

`We are the ninth generation of Sarja, a brother of Mirza and my children and grandsons are also serving the shrine regularly.

Kharal has memorised the entire story of the legendary couple and entertains visitors with its narration. Hesays many people visit the place and ask about the historical tree and the pond besides the history of the couple. He says mostly people come in June-July every year during the annual gathering. People from nearby villages take part in traditional sports like kabaddi, horse race and other sports. He recalls he once paid Rs1,000 to a man to purchase Mirza-Sahiban story from Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, and bring it here but he did not return.

Rizwanul Haq, a social worker, says the government must protect the place as the couple is a major part of the Punjabi literature.

District Coordination Officer Noorul Ameen Mengal said the district government had earmarked Rs30 million for 45 historical assets and MirzaSahiban shrine was among them. `It has been notified as special premises and the government is trying to preserve such assets. Ganga Ram House, Clock Tower, Rai Kharal grave, Qaiseri Gate, Gumti and some other historical points have been resorted, he added.