Hindu outfits seek cancellation of Vaishno Devi ropeway project

Days after protests rocked Katra over the Vaishno Devi ropeway project, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Swami Rajeshwaranand Sant Samaj has demanded the cancellation of the ropeway project stating that it would ‘destroy’ the original form of the yatra and tampers with religious feelings.

At the Maharaja Hari Singh statue site in Jammu, a peaceful demonstration was held.

Holding placards reading “Ropeway — a project to destroy the form of the yatra”, “Ropeway will make the yatra incomplete”, “Not ropeway — yatra circuit should be made”, Swami highlighted the commendable work done by the shrine board for the pilgrims.

He said: “The ropeway project tampers with the Shri Vaishno Devi Yatra and against the religious sentiments of pilgrims,” he said.

He said from the economic point of view, the purpose of visiting the pilgrimages is to give the message of religion, wealth, work and salvation to the worldly people. But when the livelihood of the local people, including daily wage labourers, porters, mules, small shopkeepers, is snatched away, then the importance of the Devi Darshan Tirtha will reduced.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) state chief Manish Sahni, said due to the ropeway facility, devotees will not be able to get the privilege of visiting the holy temples like Banganga, Charan Paduka, Ardhkunwari etc.

“The Shrine Board will have to give up its stubborn attitude on the ropeway project and respect Hindu faith,” he said. Sahni has demanded from the Shrine Board to use the Rs 250 crore earmarked for the ropeway for the uplift of famous, historical temples of Jammu and Katra and to create a Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Yatra Circuit with famous and historical temples on the lines of Lord Ram Temple of Ayodhya.