Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 30: On the Foundation Day of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, erstwhile Baridars of the shrine today observed black day and protested against the Shrine Board.
Holding banners and placards, they raised slogans against the Shrine Board authorities. They took out a procession in Katra town and thereafter gathered at Main Bazar Chowk amidst shouting of slogans.
It may be recalled that on August 30, 1986, then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Jagmohan had taken control of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi from Baridars.
Addressing the rally, protestors highlighted grievances of the Baridars who were fighting for their rights for the last more than 3 decades. The protestors also said that when the Shrine Board had taken over the shrine, it was said that the Board would money for the development of Katra and also gives job preference to locals or share to locals in jobs.
They also recalled that PM Modi during a rally at Udhampur in 2014 had said that when we would be in power, long pending genuine demand of Baridars will get resolved. “But till date our demand is not fulfilled,” they lamented.
Baridar leaders Sham Singh, Sudershan Singh, Shankar Singh, Romesh Kumar and Vishal addressed the gathering. Later on, the protestors dispersed off peacefully.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
