JAMMU — Heavy security arrangements, including AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drones, are being put in place to avert any untoward incident at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the Navratri festival. Chaitra (spring) Navratra will commence on March 30 and authorities are anticipating a large crowd of devotees thronging the cave shrine during the nine-day festival. […]
JAMMU — Pilgrim donations at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir has gone up to Rs 171.90 crore in Financial Year 2024-25 (till January) from Rs 63.85 crore in 2020-21, according to the temple board. Similarly, the gold offerings at the shrine have also increased from over nine kgs to 27.7 kgs […]
JAMMU — The helicopter and ropeway service at the Vaishno Devi shrine remained suspended on Thursday as high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir experienced snowfall while the plains, including Jammu city, were lashed by rains, ending a prolonged dry spell, officials said. Jammu division had recorded an 83 per cent rainfall deficit and Kashmir Valley […]
JAMMU — Authorities have extended by two more months the ban on the sale, possession and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, officials said on Sunday. The prohibition will be enforced on the 12-km track from Katra […]
JAMMU — The natural cave at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district was opened for devotees for Makar Sankranti celebrations on Tuesday, officials said. The doors of the old cave was opened for devotees after special prayers which was among others attended by Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata […]
SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Amid reports suggesting a change of trains at Katra Railway Station, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the move, stating it would defeat the purpose of the Srinagar-Delhi rail route. While acknowledging the importance of ensuring the security of the train and its passengers, Omar strongly opposed the proposed plan […]
JAMMU — Eighteen people detained by the police during protests against the ropeway project in Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, were released, sparking overnight celebrations in the holy town. The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced the release of the detainees on Tuesday night and constituted a four-member committee to hold […]
JAMMU — The Congress on Tuesday criticised the authorities for adopting “repressive measures” to handle the protests in Katra, the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi, and sought the immediate intervention of the lieutenant governor to secure the release of detained leaders. The party emphasised the need to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. The […]
JAMMU — Expressing concern over the “inhumane treatment” of detained leaders spearheading the agitation against the proposed ropeway in Katra, the Congress on Monday sought a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the situation. The shutdown against the proposed ropeway in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district entered its sixth […]
JAMMU — The shutdown in Katra against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project entered its sixth day on Monday, as youth continued a hunger strike demanding the release of several individuals detained by police during the protests. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti called for the shutdown on Wednesday, announcing that all activities would […]
