SMVDIME admission row: Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi Sangharsh Samiti holds protest in Katra

Rajouri, Dec 8: Representatives and members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVDSS) on Monday held a protest demonstration against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in the holy town of Katra.

The protesters alleged that the Shrine Board was ignoring the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees.

Raising slogans, the demonstrators voiced their resentment over what they alleged as “policies that undermined the spiritual sanctity of the shrine.”

During the protest, the demonstrators attempted to march towards the central office of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

However, the move was foiled by police and CRPF personnel deployed in the area. Security forces had laid concertina wire at entry points to prevent the protesters from entering the office premises.

Following the protest, the president of the Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, retired Colonel Sukhbir Singh Mankotia, met officials of the Shrine Board.

After the meeting, he told reporters that discussions were held with the Additional CEO of the Shrine Board, who assured him that all possible efforts would be made keeping in view the seriousness of the matter.

Mankotia said he categorically conveyed to the Shrine Board authorities that if the issue was not resolved, the Samiti would intensify its agitation in the coming days.

He also reacted to a statement made by the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that as a politician, his remarks were politically motivated.

Talking about the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway issue, Mankotia said that the Samiti would raise all issues in a phased manner.

He added that the current focus remained on the issue of medical college seats. “Once that demand is met, the issue of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway will also be taken up,” he said.