Jammu, 2 January (H.S.): A high-level Congress team deputed by the JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra led by working president Raman Bhalla, former MP Ch Lal Singh, ex-Minister Yogesh Sawhney and others, was stopped short of Katra town at Nawain Check Post by the local police and administration, leading Congress party to react strongly to the attitude and approach of the administration, questioning its role to deal with the sensitive issue.
However, the members of the Sangharash Samiti comprising president Karan Singh and other members namely -Rajesh Sadotra , Mohan Singh, Ravi Nag, Varun Magotra, Sonu Thakhur, Prabhat Singh, Raman Singh, Arun Kumar and others reached the Nawain Check Post to meet the PCC leaders and to express gratitude to the Congress party and their leaders for their solidarity and support to the cause of people.
The Congress delegation expressed surprise over the approach and attitude of the local administration for stopping them when the agitation has been suspended and the party leaders had desired to meet the agitating leaders and those detained leaders released last night, leading the cause of the people to express solidarity with them.
They alleged that this kind of approach of the administration would further vitiate the atmosphere for an amicable solution to the issue.
Meanwhile, reacting to the development, JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra took strong exception to this kind of approach of the administration to stop high level Congress delegation from visiting the Katra township to meet the people and assess the situation. This is totally undemocratic attitude on the part of the administration and asked the Lt Governor to enquire into the circumstances and the biased and partisan approach of the authorities dealing with the situation. It sends wrong message and create mistrust thus vitiating the atmosphere of further dialogue and peaceful resolution of the issue .
Bhalla asks Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to initiate talks with all stakeholders on Katra Ropeway project and a high-level committee ensuring none including traders of the holy town will be at loss with commissioning of the new project.
“While development must be appreciated, it should not harm any individual’s livelihood,” said Bhalla.
Citing the example of Jammu City, which he said “suffered” due to developmental projects lacking proper rehabilitation plans for affected residents, Bhalla said the proposed ropeway project between Tarakote, on the outskirts of Katra, and Sanjichhat could similarly jeopardise the livelihoods of thousands who are dependent on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
Former MP Lal Singh said that unnecessary haste and repression being shown in the matter conveys a wrong message especially taking on board the concerns of livelihood of Pony-walas Pithu-walas, Palkiwalas, local traders, shopkeepers, transporters, vendors etc. and the religious aspects and sentiments.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
