Shiv Khori protest enters 5th day as locals demand yatra timing extension in Reasi, citing major livelihood losses due to restricted pilgrimage hours.
Protest Enters Fifth Day at Shiv Khori Base Camp
The ongoing protest at the base camp of the revered Shiv Khori shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district has entered its fifth consecutive day, with no resolution yet in sight. Demonstrators, including local residents, traders, and members of the Sangharsh Samiti, have intensified their agitation, demanding an immediate extension of yatra timings.
The protest is centered in Ransoo, the primary base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine, where hundreds have been gathering daily to press their demands. The agitation has steadily gained momentum, reflecting growing frustration among stakeholders who depend heavily on pilgrimage-related economic activity.
Demand for Extended Yatra Timings Gains Momentum
At the heart of the protest lies the demand to extend the current yatra timing beyond the existing 5 PM limit. Protesters argue that the restriction, imposed after a previous security-related incident, has significantly reduced the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine.
According to locals, the shortened pilgrimage window has led to a decline in footfall, directly impacting businesses such as hotels, eateries, transport services, and small retail shops that rely on visitors. Many traders claim that their daily earnings have dropped sharply, putting their livelihoods at risk.
The demonstrators have repeatedly emphasized that restoring longer yatra hours would help revive economic activity in the region and bring relief to hundreds of families dependent on tourism.
Political Leaders Visit Protest Site
The protest drew political attention as Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma visited Ransoo to meet the agitating locals. During his visit, he interacted with members of the Sangharsh Samiti and listened to their concerns.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma assured the protesters that their grievances had already been conveyed to higher authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor and the Divisional Commissioner, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
He acknowledged the legitimacy of the demand, stating that the issue deserves immediate consideration. His remarks were seen as a significant endorsement of the protesters’ concerns, further strengthening their position.
Support from Local Representatives
Sharma was accompanied by MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, who also expressed support for the protesters’ demands. Both leaders emphasized the need for a balanced approach that addresses security concerns while also safeguarding local livelihoods.
Earlier, other prominent figures, including Advocate Ajay Nanda and former Cabinet Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma (in a separate capacity), had also extended their support to the movement. Their involvement highlights the growing political significance of the issue as the protest continues.
Economic Impact on Local Community
The economic consequences of the restricted yatra timings have been a central theme of the protest. Local traders and business owners argue that the shortened hours have drastically reduced pilgrim inflow, especially during peak seasons.
Pilgrimage tourism is a major source of income in the region, with a large portion of the local population directly or indirectly dependent on it. From shopkeepers selling religious items to transport operators ferrying pilgrims, the entire ecosystem has felt the impact of the restrictions.
Many protesters have pointed out that earlier, extended yatra timings allowed pilgrims to visit the shrine at their convenience, resulting in higher footfall and better business opportunities. The current limitations, they say, have disrupted this balance.
Security Concerns vs Economic Needs
Authorities had imposed the 5 PM restriction following a security incident, prioritizing the safety of pilgrims and staff. While protesters acknowledge the importance of security, they argue that adequate measures can be implemented without severely limiting pilgrimage hours.
They have called for a review of the current policy, suggesting that improved surveillance, better lighting, and enhanced security deployment could allow for extended timings without compromising safety.
This ongoing debate underscores the challenge faced by the administration in balancing security requirements with the economic needs of local communities.
Continuous Sit-In Demonstration at Shrine Gate
The protest has taken the form of a continuous sit-in near the main gate of the Shiv Khori shrine. Demonstrators have been gathering daily, raising slogans and voicing their demands in a peaceful manner.
Despite the prolonged agitation, the protest has remained largely non-violent, with organizers emphasizing discipline and unity. The Sangharsh Samiti and local Vyapar Mandal have been coordinating efforts to sustain the movement and ensure widespread participation.
The persistence of the protest over five days reflects the seriousness of the issue and the determination of the community to seek a resolution.
Initial Tensions and Public Sentiment
At the early stages of the protest, some tensions were reported when demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of key leaders at the protest site. Slogans were raised against MP Jugal Kishore Sharma for not visiting the site initially.
However, his subsequent visit and interaction with the protesters appear to have eased some of the concerns, helping to rebuild trust between the community and political representatives.
Public sentiment in the region continues to strongly favor the extension of yatra timings, with many residents viewing it as essential for economic recovery.
Role of Shrine Board and Administration
The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, along with district authorities, is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the issue. As the body responsible for managing the shrine and its operations, the board’s decisions will directly impact the outcome of the protest.
Protesters have urged the administration to engage in dialogue and arrive at a solution that balances safety with economic sustainability. They have also called for a time-bound decision to prevent further losses.
Tourism and Religious Significance of Shiv Khori
The Shiv Khori shrine is a prominent pilgrimage destination, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country. The shrine holds deep religious significance and is an important part of the region’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Tourism linked to the shrine not only supports the local economy but also contributes to the broader development of the area. Any disruption to pilgrimage activities, therefore, has far-reaching implications.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
Protesters have intensified their calls for immediate intervention by the administration. They argue that delaying a decision could further aggravate the situation and lead to prolonged economic hardship.
Political leaders who have visited the site have also urged authorities to take a “positive decision” at the earliest, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Uncertain Outcome as Protest Continues
As the protest enters its fifth day, there is still no clear indication of when a resolution might be reached. The continued agitation suggests that the issue is unlikely to subside without concrete action from the authorities.
Observers note that the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the administration responds to the demands or maintains the current restrictions.
Growing Pressure on Authorities Amid Sustained Protest
With each passing day, the protest at Shiv Khori is gaining visibility and support, increasing pressure on the administration to act. The sustained nature of the agitation reflects the depth of concern among locals and the importance of the issue to their livelihoods.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, all eyes are now on the authorities to find a solution that addresses both security concerns and the economic realities of the region.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited By: Akshaya Polepalli
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