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REASI: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Kisan Congress Chairman Bharat Priye was on Saturday stopped at Bhambla by the district administration while he was on his way to Ransoo to express solidarity with protesting shopkeepers and traders.Ransoo, the base camp of the revered Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district, has been witnessing a complete shutdown amid ongoing protests by traders demanding an extension of daily pilgrimage hours. The agitating traders have been pressing for an increase in the duration of the Shiv Khori yatra, citing severe economic distress caused by existing restrictions.
At present, pilgrims are not permitted to proceed towards the cave shrine beyond 5 PM—a regulation enforced nearly two years ago following a terror-related incident. Traders allege that the curtailed timings have significantly reduced pilgrim footfall, directly affecting the livelihoods of shopkeepers, pony operators, restaurant owners, and other small vendors dependent on the yatra economy.
The protest, spearheaded by the local Vyapar Mandal, has seen Ransoo market shut down completely, with traders staging a sit-in demonstration near the shrine’s main gate. While reaffirming their respect for security measures, the protesters have urged authorities to revisit the restrictions in view of the mounting economic losses and hardships faced by the local community.
Bharat Priye, who was accompanied by former MLA Mumtaz Khan and Congress Party Reasi District President Ajay Salalia, said they were prevented from proceeding further despite intending to join the protest in a peaceful manner.“We were on our way to participate in a peaceful and democratic protest to raise the genuine concerns of Shiv Khori market traders, particularly the reduction in yatra timings. However, we were stopped at Bhambla by the district administration,” Priye said.
He added that despite assurances of maintaining complete peace and adherence to democratic norms, the administration did not allow them to move ahead. “We respectfully requested the police and local authorities to permit us to reach Ransoo and support the affected traders, but our request was denied,” he stated.
Priye said the action has further heightened concerns among local residents and traders, who are already grappling with declining incomes due to reduced pilgrimage hours. Reiterating his commitment to peaceful and democratic means of raising public issues, Priye urged the administration to address the genuine grievances of the traders and take necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods. Meanwhile, the situation in Ransoo remains tense but under control, with traders continuing their agitation and seeking an early resolution to their demands.
