Serves ultimatum of 1 day to release the detained persons
The Diplomat Desk
Jammu : TDD,Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) today held a press conference at the Press Club Jammu to express strong support for the people of Katra who are protesting against the proposed installation of a ropeway from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The Sabha condemned the administration for arresting individuals who were peacefully protesting for their genuine demands.
Addressing the media, Raghubir Singh, Chairman of YRS, criticized the actions of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the administration. He stated, “The people of Katra, who have been peacefully fighting for their rights, were unjustly detained. These individuals are innocent and are only advocating for their livelihoods and religious sentiments. The Shrine Board, instead of honoring those who donated large portions of their land for the sacred shrine, is harassing them.”
Singh issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding the release of all detained protesters within one day. He warned, “If our demand is not met, YRS will march to Katra in full support of the protesting residents.”
Vikram Singh Vicky, President of YRS, echoed similar sentiments and criticized the Shrine Board for its repeated experiments under the guise of development. “Since the Shrine Board’s establishment in 1986, it has prioritized commercial ventures over the welfare of pilgrims and locals. Helicopter and battery car services, initially introduced for the benefit of the elderly and physically challenged, are now largely being utilized by affluent individuals while those in real need are left struggling,” Vicky remarked.
He extended YRS’s full support to the Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Sangharsh Samiti, a committee recently formed to spearhead the agitation, and urged the LG administration to release the 18 detained individuals immediately. “If our demands are not addressed within 24 hours, YRS will mobilize the people of Jammu and march to Katra in solidarity with the protesters,” he added.
Former YRS President, Rajan Singh Happy, highlighted the neglect faced by the youth of Katra, who have been fasting for three days without any support from local leaders or elected representatives. He appealed to political and social leaders of Jammu to rise in support of the Dogra community and the Katra residents.
Rajan Singh also emphasized the spiritual and economic implications of the proposed ropeway project. “The holy pilgrimage traditionally involves darshan at Kol Kandoli Nagrota, Deva Mai, Ban Ganga, Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, and Bhairon Bhawan. The ropeway bypasses these sacred sites, undermining the sanctity and beliefs of Hindus. Furthermore, the livelihood of thousands of families dependent on the pilgrimage is at stake. Instead of bringing prosperity, the project threatens to displace local workers who have long served the shrine,” he said.
The YRS concluded the press conference with a resolute stand, vowing to support the people of Katra in their rightful struggle and demanding immediate action from the administration.
Other prominent who were present on the occasion include Rajinder Singh (Chief Patron, YRS), Pushvinder Singh, Mohinder Singh, Mesha Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Balbir Singh Kaku , Rajesh Singh Billu (Core Committee Members) and team member of the state body.TDD