Tariq Hameed Karra Criticises Jammu and Kashmir Administration's Ban on Congress Delegation to Katra

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president, Tariq Hameed Karra, criticised the administration's decision to prevent a high-level party delegation from visiting Katra. The delegation aimed to assess the situation at the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Karra urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to investigate the reasons behind this decision and called for discussions with all stakeholders regarding the Katra Ropeway project.

A Congress delegation led by working president Raman Bhalla, former MP Choudhary Lal Singh, and former Minister Yogesh Sawhney was stopped at Nawain check post near Katra by local police and administration officials. The delegation expressed surprise over this action, especially since the agitation in Katra had been suspended. They intended to meet with agitating leaders and those detained and released the previous night to show solidarity.

Concerns Over Development Projects

Bhalla highlighted concerns about development projects lacking proper rehabilitation plans, citing Jammu city as an example. He warned that the proposed ropeway project between Tarakote and Sanjichhat could threaten the livelihoods of thousands who rely on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Bhalla noted a troubling trend of turning sacred pilgrimage sites into commercial tourist attractions.

Karra emphasised that while development is necessary, it should not harm anyone's livelihood. He called for a high-level committee to ensure no individual, including traders in Katra, suffers losses due to the project. "This is a totally undemocratic attitude on the part of the administration," Karra stated, urging an investigation into the matter.

Impact on Local Economy

Expressing solidarity with Katra residents, Bhalla warned that the town risked being isolated from the pilgrimage economy. Over 50,000 people, including traders, pithus, pony operators, palki operators, and shopkeepers, are directly or indirectly linked to the pilgrimage. Bhalla demanded that the Shrine Board and Central Government ensure no livelihoods are affected by this project.

The Congress party condemned a lathi charge on peaceful protesters in Katra as an undemocratic move to suppress public sentiment. Bhalla affirmed, "The Congress fully supports the demands of the people of Katra. We stand with them in their fight to protect their rights and livelihood."

Karra criticised what he described as a biased approach by authorities in handling this sensitive issue. He urged them to avoid such practices that send wrong messages and create mistrust. Such actions could hinder dialogue and peaceful resolution efforts.