Jammu, Dec 31: Congress on Tuesday criticised the authorities for adopting “repressive measures” to address the situation in Katra and called for the immediate intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to release detained leaders and create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue.
Residents of Katra have been protesting against the proposed ropeway project, citing concerns about its impact on their livelihoods and other issues.
Addressing a press conference at the JKPCC headquarters here, J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, accompanied by the party’s top leadership, strongly condemned the administration’s handling of the Katra protests. He slammed the “repressive” policies, including the “ill-treatment” and detention of protestors, which, he said, have further vitiated the atmosphere for dialogue.
“Such actions undermine the Shrine Board authorities’ claims of seeking an amicable resolution to the contentious issue by involving all stakeholders,” he said.
Karra said that from the very beginning, on November 27, the Congress Party had intervened, urging the release of detained leaders through the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu. A high-level delegation from the party also visited Katra to express solidarity with the agitating locals.
The JKPCC chief further said the party has reached out to the Lieutenant Governor, requesting his intervention to ensure the release of all detained leaders. He said a solution can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue that considers the interests and concerns of all stakeholders.
The Congress leader slammed the administration’s “hasty and repressive” approach, warning that it sends the wrong message. “There is a need to address the concerns of various groups, including ponywalas, pithuwalas, palkiwalas, local traders, shopkeepers, transporters and vendors, while also respecting the religious sentiments and aspects involved,” he said.
Karra reiterated the Congress Party’s stance that the Shrine Board and administration must engage all stakeholders to build consensus on the issue. He clarified that the party is not opposed to developmental initiatives but insists on an inclusive and fair approach.
The press conference was attended by Working Presidents Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma and senior leaders Th Balwan Singh, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, S.S. Channi and Namrata Sharma.
