Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 9: Activists of Dogra Front & Shiv Sena under the leadership of their president, Ashok Gupta staged a protest demonstration against Baridars who are demanding control over Shri Mata Vasihno Devi Shrine.
Addressing protesters Gupta said, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is managing the affairs of the Shrine in best way.
He said that the Shrine Board established in 1986 by the then J&K Governor, Jagmohan is doing commendable job in building infrastructure along the path to Vaishno Devi Shrine from the base camp Katra.
The Shiv Sena leader said, new tiled path, various buildings at Bhawan and Katra town to facilitate pilgrims, motorable road directly leading to Bhawan are some of the achievements of the Shrine Board.
“There was a time when the track to the Shrine was not suitable for even horses to move but now even cars can reach the Bhawan,” Gupta maintained.
He further said that management, administration etc of the holy cave shrine including right on offerings always remained with Baridars before it was taken over by the erstwhile J&K State Government in 1986.
“The Shrine was taken over by the Government on the grounds of mismanagement and maladministration,” Dogra Front leader claimed.
He said, chopper services, Gandola, 24*7 Langar, home delivery of Prashad, battery operated cars, dormitory, buildings, online registration, establishing Ponywalas and Pithuwalas, availability of medical services after every 2 km etc at the cave shrine are some of the achievements of the Shrine Board.