Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Provincial president Jammu, Ratan Lal Gupta reiterated the party’s demand that the genuine concerns of the people of Katra must be taken into consideration before proceeding with the proposed Katra ropeway project.
Gupta was addressing a mega one-day Youth convention at Katra, where he was the chief guest. He exhorted the youth to strengthen and carry forward the vision and mission of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, which is firmly rooted in the principles of secularism, and inclusive development. . Khursheed Ahmad, MLA Gulabgarh, attended the convention as the guest of honour. The Convention was organized by Jugal Kishore Zonal president Udhampur Reasi Zone YNC and Baldev Thappa vice president Zonal Udhampur Reasi Zone YNC.
NC leader expressed serious concern over what he termed the sidelining of legitimate demands of the local population by the SMVD Shrine Board management led by the Lieutenant Governor. He said the proposed alignment of the ropeway threatens the livelihood of thousands of people in Katra, including ponywalas, porters, small shopkeepers and other marginal stakeholders whose survival depends on the movement of pilgrims.
“These people have been an integral part of the pilgrimage ecosystem for centuries. They do not earn millions or build fortunes; they merely make a humble living. Nothing can be worse than having their bread and butter snatched away. The concerned management must rise to the occasion and ensure that the genuine concerns of locals are addressed before moving ahead with the project,” Gupta said.
MLA Gulabgarh, said that development in the hilly and remote areas of Jammu has gained unprecedented momentum under the Omar Abdullah-led Government. “For the first time, people in far-flung and hilly regions are witnessing tangible development in terms of road connectivity, power supply, healthcare and education.
TP Singh Aman, Provincial president YNC called upon the NC youth cadre to gear up for the forthcoming Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections whenever they are held. He said ministers, MLAs and office bearers are actively resolving public grievances.
Senior leaders Vijay Lochan, Raj Kumar Sharma, Rakesh Singh, Farooq Mughal, Tariq Butt, Sher Singh, Vikramjeet Singh, Charan Dass and others were also present.
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