Jammu, Aug 11 (IANS) Two illegal pony operators were on Tuesday booked by the police in Jammu and Kashmir on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track in the Reasi district, police officials said.
“Raj Singh of Kakra and Abhishek Singh of Thakarakote villages were intercepted at a check point at Banganga enroute to the cave shrine atop the Trikuta hills and found them operating without valid pony cards,” a police spokesperson said.
He said the surprise check point was established for verification of pony, pithoo (porter) and palki operators working along the track amid intensified security arrangements ahead of the upcoming Independence Day on August 15.
Two separate FIRs have been registered against the accused at the Katra Police Station under the relevant provisions of law, the spokesman added.
The police reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the prescribed rules governing pony and palki operations, particularly in areas witnessing heavy pilgrim movement, to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims and visitors.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Trikuta Mountains in Katra area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district at an altitude of 5,200 feet.
Pilgrims trek around 12 to 13 km from the base camp at Katra to witness the sanctum’s three natural rock pindies representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarasvati.
The Katra town situated about 43 km from the Jammu city is the base camp town of the shrine.
The trek to the shrine is around 12 to 13 km uphill walk from Katra to the holy Amarnath cave.
Pilgrims have options of either walking, pony rides, electric auto services, palkis and helicopter services from Katra to Sanjichhat.
No statues or idols exist inside the cave; worship is directed toward three natural rock formations (Pindies).
The shrine symbolises the unified divine energy of Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarasvati.
Legend says the goddess ended the demon Bhairon Nath just outside the cave. He repented before dying, and the goddess granted him a boon that the pilgrimage is only complete after visiting the Bhairon Nath temple nearby.
The management of the shrine is regulated and managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board established in 1986.
The board is led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as its ex-officio Chairman.
–IANS
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