Raman Suri calls for safe, timely resumption of Vaishno Devi yatra

• “Balancing pilgrim safety with livelihood of locals”

JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri today addressed the ongoing suspension of the Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, emphasizing the paramount importance of pilgrim safety while highlighting the severe economic impact on local communities. The pilgrimage has remained suspended for the 21st consecutive day following a devastating landslide in the Adhkuwari area on August 26, which claimed 34 lives and injured many others.

Raman Suri said that heavy rains had triggered landslides in areas like Sanjhi Chhat, leaving parts of the route slippery despite clearance efforts. The Shrine Board had prioritized devotee safety, stating there can be no compromise on this front, with resumption planned only after weather improves and all repairs are completed - potentially aligning with the start of Sharadiya Navratri on September 22.

In his statement, Raman Suri said, “The suspension of the Yatra was a necessary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims, especially in light of the tragic loss of 34 devotees and the indifferent weather conditions that persist. However, it is also a harsh reality that local businessmen, traders, and hoteliers have suffered huge losses during this prolonged closure, the longest since the COVID-19 period.

Thousands of families dependent on the pilgrimage, including workers handling horses, pitthu, and palanquins, are struggling to make ends meet.” Suri expressed hope for a swift resolution, adding, “I urge the engineers and geologists on the job to expedite repairs and guarantee the track’s safety so that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) could resume the Yatra at the earliest, ideally from the beginning of the first Navratri, to alleviate the suffering of both devotees and locals”.

“With nearly one crore pilgrims visiting annually from across India and abroad, prolonging the suspension is not in anyone’s interest, provided all precautions are in place to prevent future natural disasters”, he said adding that protests by devotees at Katra’s main bus stand and demonstrations by workers outside the Shrine Board’s central office, demanding an early restart is also justified to a larger extent.

Raman Suri said though SDM and police officials have been explaining the ongoing repair work and unfavourable weather conditions to the agitators, assuring resumption once conditions allow, yet the engineers on job must expedite their work so that Yatra is opened for pilgrims and that too with all safety measures in place. He said, “While the enthusiasm among lakhs of devotees is understandable, especially with Navratri approaching, we must ensure every guideline is followed for a completely safe journey. The past tragedies must help prevent such incidents, but it’s time to move forward responsibly.