Prohibition of Alcohol and Non-Vegetarian Cuisine Enforced Near Vaishno Devi Temple
Click to start listening
Jammu, Dec 5 (NationPress) The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Katra, Piyush Dhotra, has enacted a prohibition order that forbids the sale, possession, and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food within the boundaries of the sub-division, which serves as the base camp for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, according to officials on Wednesday.
This decision, made under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), affects Katra and its surrounding areas, including the path leading to the venerated Vaishno Devi shrine. It will be in effect for two months unless lifted sooner, as stated in a declaration by the DIPR.
The prohibition encompasses several significant locations, including villages within a two-kilometre radius from Katra to the Holy Cave track and adjacent roads. Specific areas impacted include Arli, Hansali, and Matyal, extending along key routes such as Katra-Tikri, Katra-Jammu, Katra-Reasi, and Panthal-Domail. Villages like Chamba, Serli, Bhagta, Kundrorian, Kotli Bajallian, Nomain, Maghal, Nau Devian, and Aghar Jitto are also included in this order.
The objective of this ban is to maintain the sanctity of the shrine and its surrounding regions, which draw millions of devotees each year. The prohibition applies to all types of non-vegetarian food, such as eggs, chicken, meat, seafood, and other animal-derived products, in harmony with the spiritual values of the area.
Officials have emphasized that these restrictions will be rigorously enforced along the pilgrimage path and within designated zones along major routes leading to Katra, including areas near the Katra Railway Station. Residents and visitors are encouraged to adhere to these regulations to foster a peaceful and respectful atmosphere for pilgrims.
