Let Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine remain pilgrimage place: Mehbooba Mufti

Jammu, Nov 30: Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday asked authorities to let Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi Shrine remain a place of pilgrimage as there are innumerable other places in Jammu and Kashmir that can be developed on tourism lines and ropeway be installed there.

She was interacting with media persons on the sidelines of her visit in Katra town where she met the labourers and other representatives who are protesting against installation of a new ropeway project at Katra between Katra town and Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi shrine.

"Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi shrine is a place of immense religious values and devotees come here from across the world for the pilgrimage. Thousands of labourers and traders offer services to these devotees and also earn their livelihood," said Mehbooba Mufti. She added that the installation of a new ropeway is against wishes of people and thus government should shelve this project instead of pressurizing for its  implementation.

PDP President  further said that government should leave this location as a pilgrimage place only rather than developing it on tourism lines."There are many places across Jammu and Kashmir that can be developed for tourism and this ropeway be installed there," she said fearing loss of jobs for thousands of people. She also asked authorities to drop cases registered against these labourers who protested for their genuine rights and demands.

" Government should think of generating employment but it is unfortunate that government has failed on this fron," Mehbooba Mufti further said. In her another official statement, Mehbooba Mufti said that she visited Katra and met with Maa Vaishnodevi Devi Sangarsh Samiti and others who had been protesting against the proposed Ropeway to Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Devi shrine. Their concern is that this project will adversely impact the livelihoods of thousands of shopkeepers, labourers and others, she said.