jammu, apr 8
Shiv Sena UBT Jammu-Kashmir unit has welcomed the announcement of starting Panchhi Heli Service from Jammu Airport to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan from the first Holy Chaitra Navratri (April 9) and has demanded to keep it limited. Along with this, it has raised the demand for providing registration facility for Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra at Jammu Railway Station and promotion and restoration of the mythological form of the Yatra.
In a press conference held today at the party’s state office, state chief Manish Sahni said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is engaged in providing every possible facility to the devotees.
Recently, the construction of skywalk in the holy court of Maa and Durga Bhawan for the rest of the devotees near the Bhawan and facilities like health ATM for the health checkup of the devotees are commendable steps. On the first Holy Navratri starting from 9th April, Panchhi helicopter service from Jammu airport to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan is also a welcome step but it should be kept limited. Sahni said that the form of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra should not be spoiled in the race of facilities. He said that he has no objection to development and facilities. Already, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been made incomplete(Aadhi Adhuri) due to the expansion of road and rail routes. The first darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi “Kaul Kandoli” and the second darshan “Deva Mai” have been separated from the travel route due to the expansion of road and rail. The existing form of this Holy Yatra is being changed by the direct helicopter service from Jammu to Himkoti(near Bhwan).
The devotees will be deprived of the privilege of visiting the historical temples of Jammu including Kol Kandoli (first darshan), Deva Mai (second darshan), Katra’s historical Bhumika temple, Holy Banganga, Charan Paduka, Ardhkumwari. Along With this, the economy of Jammu, which is largely dependent on the devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, is almost certain to be affected. People associated with the hotel and taxi business are afraid of being affected the most.
Sahni said that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department should take some concrete steps to promote and restore the mythological form of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and it should not be spoiled in the guise of facilities. Along with this, Sahni has demanded the facility of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra registration at Jammu Railway Station. Sahni said that a written request has been made to grant time to meet the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board) regarding the above-mentioned demands.On this occasion Women Wing President Meenakshi Chhibber, General Secretary Vikas Bakshi, Kamghar Wing President Raj Singh and Secretary Rakesh Handa were present.
