Shiv Sainiks join protest against Vaishno Devi ropeway project

Jammu/Katra, Nov 24: On the third day today of the four-day strike by local stakeholders against the proposed ropeway project on the Tarakot route of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Yatra, shops remained closed on the Yatra path and the services of Pitthu-Palki also remained stalled.
Shiv Sena (UBT) State Chief Manish Sahni, along with senior party leaders, joined the protest going on at the Holy Banganga Deori and main Bazar.
Sahni said in his address that the nature of the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Yatra is being destroyed and affected in the race for facilities. Due to the ropeway project being on the Tarakot route, the devotees taking advantage of this facility will be deprived of the darshan of the Holy Banganga, Charan Paduka, Ardhkunwari.
“There is a threat of livelihood of thousands of shopkeepers, porters and horse service providers on the traditional route being affected.”
Sahni said that we do not have the weather and tourist places like Srinagar, Pahalgam and Gulmarg but the blessings of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi remain in our economy and employment. “The development of rail and road routes has already ruined the trade of Jammu. There is a danger of the shopkeepers of Katra, thousands of people providing porters and horsemen on the traditional pilgrimage route and their families being affected due to the construction of the ropeway project on the Tarakot route.”
Sahni said that he is not against development and facilities but it cannot be tolerated at all if religious faith is attacked and employment and trade are affected.
Sahni has demanded from the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board) to cancel the ropeway project and spend the Rs 250 crore allocated for it for the development of Katra and surrounding temples.