Important Update for Vaishno Devi Pilgrims: Key Facilities Unavailable, Here's Why
In Vaishno Devi Katra, horse, porter, and palanquin services will remain unavailable. Shops along the Bhavan route are also closed. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes.
Vaishno Devi Protest: Services Disrupted Against Katra Project
The protest by strong dissidents against building a ropeway between Katra and Vaishno Devi Bhavan has badly disrupted key services for the pilgrims. Clashes broke out between security men and opponents of the project when stone-pelting and stone-barraging followed this protest. What was scheduled as a 72-hour strike has now been extended for another 24 hours, making the situation worse.
Key Services Disrupted
The strike has affected several important services for pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi. Horse, porter, and palanquin services have been closed indefinitely, leaving most devotees in the lurch without their regular mode of support. Most shops on the route to the Bhavan are shut, except for those run by the Shrine Board. Devotees are requested to make do with minimal facilities as well.
Reason Behind the Protest
The agitation revolves around a proposed 12-kilometer passenger ropeway project running from Tarakote to Sanjichhat. The protesters claim that it is derailing the cultural and historical sanctity of foot-path hiking as it bypasses a major pilgrim foot path. Protestors demand that the ropeway be constructed along the original track, preserving the sanctity and marginalization of local businesses dependent on foot traffic.
The ropeway will cause shopkeepers, horse owners, and palanquin operators to claim that their work would become outdated. They staged rallies and protests against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, appealing to the concerned authorities to look into the matter and not approve the alignment of this ropeway project.
Effect on Pilgrims
So far, services that are essential for the uphill journey to the Bhavan remain unavailable, inconveniencing thousands of devotees. The Shrine Board, though maintaining its facilities open throughout, has seen disruption leading to dissatisfaction in pilgrims and added tensions in the region.
This situation highlights the myth of modernization against tradition as stakeholders appeal to the authorities for a solution that is harmonious and respects both the process of development and the livelihoods of the locals.
