Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 30: The Foundation Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was observed as black day by erstwhile Baridaars of the cave shrine who also held a protest demonstration, here today.
Shouting slogans against the Shrine Board authorities, they took out a procession in Katra town and converged at Main Bazar Chowk. They were demanding due share in the offerings and job quota to their wards in the Shrine Board.
The protest was organized under the leadership of Sher Singh, president of the Baridaars Association. While addressing the gathering, he said that Baridaars were struggling for their rights since more than 3 decades but there was no response from the concerned authorities.
“When the Board took over the shrine, it was said that offering money would be used for the development of Katra and job preference will be given to the locals or a job share to them. But it was a fake promise,” he said.
Romesh Kumar and Sudershan Singh also addressed the gathering of Baridaars. Later on the protestors dispersed off peacefully.
It may be recalled that on August 30, 1986, on the direction of then Governor Jagmohan, Shrine Board had taken over control of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine from the Baridaars.
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