Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has urged the administration to take the issue of restrictions on the Shiv Khori Yatra seriously, stating that the matter is not only related to religious faith but is also directly connected with the livelihood and economic survival of thousands of local people.
Raman Suri said that devotees and businessmen have expressed strong resentment, pointing out that just a few months after a serious terror attack like Pahalgam, all tourist destinations in Kashmir were reopened, but restrictions on Baba Shiv Khori devotees are still continuing. This has created anger and disappointment among devotees across the region.
He said that the Shiv Khori Yatra was restricted two years ago after a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims, and these restrictions continue even today. Before the attack, around 8,000 to 10,000 devotees used to visit daily for darshan, but now the number has dropped drastically to only 1,200 to 1,500 devotees per day due to administrative restrictions. This has badly affected the employment of thousands of people associated with the Yatra, including shopkeepers, hoteliers, pony operators, palki bearers, and other workers.
Raman Suri said that public anger is growing, and the recent shutdown of Ransoo market and the strike by horse, pittu, and palki operators clearly reflect the frustration among locals. The Shri Ransoo Shiv Khori Sangharsh Samiti has also given a four-day ultimatum to the administration and warned of blocking the Jammu–Poonch highway if the restrictions are not reviewed.
He appreciated local administration for assuring the devotees that the matter will be taken up with higher authorities but it needs persuasion and a right decision. He also noted that local representatives have raised the issue with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Trade Board President Sureshta Devi has rightly said that if security is a concern, the administration should make adequate security arrangements instead of restricting the movement of devotees.
Raman Suri emphasized that faith cannot be restricted by time limits. At present, devotees are not allowed to proceed to Shiv Khori after noon, which is causing great inconvenience, especially to elderly pilgrims and those coming from far-off places. He said the administration must review these timing restrictions and find a practical solution that ensures both security and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
He further said that the administration should keep in mind the religious sentiments of pilgrims as well as the economic interests of local businesses. Religious tourism is the backbone of the local economy in the Shiv Khori area, and continued restrictions are pushing many families towards financial crisis. Raman Suri urged the administration to immediately hold a meeting with the Sangharsh Samiti, local business associations, shrine board representatives, and security agencies to find a balanced solution.
