JAMMU: The locals protesting against opening of new track from Katra to Bhawan have called off their strike temporarily but the shops at Ban Ganga and Charanpaduka will remain closed till March 5 .
“We have temporarily called off the strike on the assurance of the District Development Commissioner, Reasi,” a protestor here said.
He said that the DDC has assured them that he will take up the matter with the Shrine Board authorities within days for smooth sailing of business in the town so that the pilgrims visiting Katra to perform pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine do not face hardships.
“We have listened to their grievances and once they will submit memorandum, it will be taken up with the Shrine Board officials,” Ravinder Kumar, DDC Reasi said.
Kumar further said that they have suspended their strike for further action.
At least 12 people including cops got injured, ten detained when police-traders clashed near Ban Ganga yesterday in Katra town.
The local traders were protesting against Shri Mata Vaishno Devio Shrine Board for continuing work on New Ban Ganga-Tarakota-Adh Kuwari track, the opening of which they were opposing, said an official. He said that the authorities have imposed Section 144 of CrPC near the construction site to prevent anybody from disrupting the ongoing developmental work, adding, “protesting local traders marched towards the site but police prevented and foiled their bid following which mild clash took place.”
According to an eye witness, police resorted to mild lathi-charge to disperse them.
“The protestors however, staged protest while entire Katra observed shutdown against Shrine Board authorities,” he said.
Meanwhile on February 15, protesting shopkeepers and traders suspended their strike after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, who assured them early redressal of their grievances.
Protesting traders were demanding that the new track should be used only for loading and unloading purpose but not for pilgrimage by devotees.
“The new track is ready for operation and it will cater devotees performing pilgrimage on foot,” an official here said. He said that neither battery car service will be provide on new track not being used by mule operators, adding, ”the track will be thrown open only for devotees going to Bhawan on foot besides pithus will be allowed to cater them.” He further said that the New Ban Ganga-Tarakota-Adh Kuwari track is having 8.5 kilometres stretch from Army Camp, Darshani Deodi and it will be of helpful in meeting the rush especially during occasions like Navratras.
Ten-member committee was also constituted and they were asked to submit charter of demands to the District SSP and Deputy Commissioner and matter will also be taken up with the Shri Mata Vasihno Devi Shrine Board authorities for needful action.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra is the chairman of the Shrine Board.
Last year, Baridars and traders went on strike in protest against opening of new track but the strike was called off on government’s assurance of addressing the issue as earliest.