Vaishno Devi Shrine Area To Enforce Ban On Liquor And Non-Vegetarian Foods

In a move to preserve the spiritual ambiance of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, the Sub-Division Magistrate (SDM) of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district has declared a prohibition on the sale, storage, and consumption of both liquor and non-vegetarian food within the sub-division. This area is crucial as it serves as the base camp for the millions of devotees journeying to the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine each year. The prohibition, aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage, encompasses a wide range of non-vegetarian foods, including meat, seafood, and any animal-derived products.

The directive, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), specifically targets Katra and its vicinity, including the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine, ensuring a two-month duration for the ban. This period is subject to adjustment, with the possibility of an earlier revocation depending on circumstances. The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has officially communicated this decision, highlighting its temporary but stringent enforcement.

The enforcement of the ban stretches across significant areas around Katra, including specific villages within a two-kilometre radius of the main path leading to the Holy Cave, and extends to roads connecting Katra to various points such as Tikri, Jammu, Reasi, and Panthal-Domail. Additionally, communities like Chamba, Serli, Bhagta, Kundrorian, and Aghar Jitto, among others, fall under the purview of this prohibition.

The local authorities have committed to rigorously imposing the ban across the designated zones, particularly along the pilgrimage path and in the vicinity of the Katra Railway Station, to ensure adherence. The intention behind this strict enforcement is to foster a serene and respectful environment for the pilgrims, further emphasizing the region's deep-rooted spiritual values.

The community, including both residents and visitors, is encouraged to comply with these restrictions, thereby contributing to an atmosphere that respects the religious significance of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. This collective effort is crucial for upholding the peaceful essence that the shrine and its surroundings are known for.