Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Apr, 04
Today a strong protest demonstration held by Umeed Foundation at Bantalab against Shiri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on raising of Atka Aarti fees from Eleven Hundred to Two thousand rupees. The protest was led by Surinder Singh Gilli, Chairman Umeed Foundation. During protest Surinder Singh Gilli said that Shrine Board plays with the sentiments of hindus pilgrims and for to present in the aarti how a poor pilgrims gave two thousand rupees. It clearly shows that for now a days to perform worship in religion one must be rich so to available in aarti or to perform worship.
Gilli further added that there are so many things in Shrine board, like Hospital Narayana, which was named on Mata Vaishno devi and which was made by the donations of pilgrims but no such free treatment been provided to that pilgrim or to the families whenever he or she go for any type of treatment in Narayana Hospital. He said Shrine Board of Mata Vaishno Devi must learn something from Shiromani Gurudwara prabhandhak committee of Golden temple as they finishes VIP culture in the Golden temple which runs from last several years. As many thing written in our “Vedas”, “Puranas” and in “Bhagwat Gita” also it is written that God is equal for everyone. But Shrine implement some other rule on it and try to modify ancient culture and traditions of hindu religion itself, said Gilli. Gilli further added that thats the only reason some of our Goddess named this yug as “Kalyug”, where worship will only performed by rich persons and there is no space for poorers in the aarti. Gilli further condemn this decision of Shrine board of raise of fees of atka aarti from eleven hundred to two thousand and he appeals to Governor to cancel the fees criteria in pooja, as pooja or aarti or worship of God whether in any religion can’t be sold, said Gilli and Gilli further demands to Central Govt. that the Chairman of Shiri Mata Vaishno devi Shrine board must be from local Jammu.Others who were present are Komal, Tini, Kamlesh Manhas, Labh Chib, Vishal Khajuria, Sameer Khajuria, Mahesh Chib, Rasheed, Vicky, Fentu, Praveen, Preeti, Udhay, and many others.
