Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 8: Shiv Sena Jammu and Kashmir unit has demanded the restoration of the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route along with the first darshan at Kol Kandoli Mata Temple, here today.
It was stated by the Shiv Sainiks during a protest near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh, located at the bank of Tawi River and said that restoration of the traditional route will help in revitalizing Jammu region business.
“Trains moving towards Katra have taken out the pilgrimage itinerary of historical Raghunath Temple, Shivkhodi, Bawe Wali Mata and Kol Kandoli,” said J&K unit president Munish Sahni. “The bypass road and the express highway have been further keeping away the pilgrims from many important destinations of Jammu,” he said.
Sahni said that the business class of Jammu, which is largely dependent on religious pilgrimage, has been badly affected and needs to be saved. “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is one of the most revered shrines of Hindus and lakhs of devotees from all over India and abroad visits this holy shrine to pay their obeisance every year and thus being a major contributor in J&K’s economy,” Sahni asserted.
He further said that due to the direct rail link to Udhampur and Katra, the business of Jammu has received a great setback. “We are not against the expansion of rail and national highways, but the half-hearted Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra cannot be accepted,” he added.
Sahni urged the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha to reduce the number of direct trains to Katra and increase the halt of trains in Jammu, along with Railway Station, Nagrota and Kol Kandoli for revival of Jammu business.
On this occasion, Meenakshi Chhibber, Vikas Bakshi, Balwant Singh, Sandeep Bhagat, Vikas Divan, Raj Singh, Binny Mahajan and many others were present during the protest.
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