‘Missing MP’ Posters Surface in Katra as Congress Joins Locals Protesting Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project

TNL Network

Katra, Reasi: Political heat flared in Reasi district of Jammu as posters declaring BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma “missing” surfaced in Katra town amid intensifying protests against the proposed ropeway project at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine. Local Congress workers took center stage, accusing the MP of being unresponsive to the people’s concerns in his constituency.

The controversy stems from local outrage over the ropeway project, which protesters claim could disrupt the sanctity of the revered shrine and harm the livelihoods of those dependent on pilgrimage tourism. Residents of Katra and surrounding areas have been holding demonstrations, urging immediate intervention to scrap the project.

Congress activists distributed and displayed posters throughout Katra, portraying the BJP MP as “missing in action.” Speaking to the media, a Congress leader from Reasi said, “The MP is accountable to the people of Reasi, yet he has neither addressed their grievances nor shown up to engage with them. His silence is deafening.”

The protestors are demanding that Jugal Kishore Sharma step forward and clarify his stance on the project. Meanwhile, locals accuse the Union government of pushing the project without adequately consulting stakeholders, fueling their sense of alienation.

Despite repeated attempts, the BJP MP has yet to issue any public statement regarding the issue. As the situation escalates, the political narrative is shifting into a broader debate on accountability and transparency, with Congress doubling down on its call for the MP to meet his constituents.

Protestors vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are heard, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff over the controversial project.

Details of the Attachments :

1. Nowshera, Srigufwara :
   A single-storey residential house and one Kanal of land, valued at ₹20 lakhs, belonging to Bilal Ahmad Rather, son of Wali Mohammad Rather, resident of Nowshera, Srigufwara, have been attached. Bilal is implicated in FIR No. 57/2021 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act, linked to the recovery of a substantial quantity of narcotic substances.
2. Sirhama, Srigufwara :
   A residential house on a one-Kanal plot, worth ₹40 lakhs, belonging to Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, son of Mohammad Ramzan Ganaie, resident of Sirhama, Srigufwara, has been seized. Ganaie is involved in FIR No. 99/2021 under the NDPS Act, related to the recovery of a significant quantity of contraband.
3. Ainoo, Aishmuqam :
   A residential house valued at ₹40 lakhs, owned by Rouf Ahmad Nanda, son-in-law of Gull Mohammad Tantray, resident of Ainoo, Aishmuqam, has been attached. Nanda is implicated in FIR No. 34/2022 under Sections 8/15-29 of the NDPS Act.

The seized properties will remain under the custody of authorities until legal proceedings are finalized. These decisive actions aim to disrupt the financial infrastructure of drug trafficking networks and send a strong message to offenders.