Jammu, 07 April (H.S.): The ongoing protest at Ransoo, the base camp of Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district, entered its fifth consecutive day today, with locals and members of the Sangharsh Samiti intensifying their demand for extension of the yatra timings.

MP Jugal Kishore Sharma visited Ransoo and interacted with the agitating locals and members of the committee. He listened to their grievances and assured them that their concerns have already been conveyed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Divisional Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board. He emphasized that the demand for extending the yatra timing is genuine and needs immediate consideration.

Jugal Kishore Sharma reiterated that the restrictions imposed after the past security incident, which curtailed the yatra timing up to 5 PM, have severely affected the livelihood of local traders and small business establishments in the area. He extended his full support to the protestors and urged the administration to take a positive decision at the earliest.

MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey also accompanied the Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma. Earlier, Advocate Ajay Nanda, former Cabinet Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma also joined the protest and strongly supported the demand, echoing the voices of the local business community.

The protest, spearheaded by the local Vyapar Mandal and residents, has been ongoing for the past five days, with demonstrators staging a sit-in near the main gate of Shiv Khori shrine at Ransoo. The protestors have reiterated that extending the yatra timing will help revive business activities and provide much-needed relief to those dependent on pilgrimage tourism. Earlier, protestors raised slogans against MP as he didn’t reach the protest site and met committee members at other place.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar