Shutdown in Katra over death of pilgrims in landslide
Jammu: A massive protest erupted at Katra, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir as local shopkeepers and traders said that large-scale construction activities were responsible for the landslide that killed at least 34 pilgrims on Tuesday.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters raised slogans against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and said the tragedy could have been avoided had officials heeded weather department warnings. They held Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is chairman of the Shrine Board, accountable and demanded a probe.
Bali Ram Rana, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, claimed construction works had loosened the soil, triggering the landslide.
“The Shrine Board is responsible for the deaths and should answer for the incident. The L-G of Jammu and Kashmir is the Chairman of the Shrine Board and he should order an investigation into the incident. This happened due to the negligence of the administration,” said Rana.
The Sangarsh Samiti had earlier opposed the Shrine Board’s plans to construct a ropeway from Katra to Sanjichhat, warning it would damage the fragile hills.
