In an unexpected moment of devotion, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah sang the famous bhajan "Maa Sherawaliye" at an ashram in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. The video of Abdullah joining a group of singers to perform the devotional song "Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye, Main Aaya Main Aaya Sherawaliye" quickly went viral on social media, capturing the attention of his followers and devotees.

The performance took place during a bhajan program held at an ashram in Katra, a town famous for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Speaking to the gathering, Abdullah took the opportunity to express his support for the local community’s ongoing protest against the proposed ropeway project. The project, announced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, allowing pilgrims to bypass the 13-km trek to the shrine.

Abdullah criticized the shrine board for initiating the construction of the ropeway project without adequately addressing the concerns of local residents. He voiced his strong support for the locals’ fight to stop the project, emphasizing that their voices must be heard. "You showed courage and fought bravely to stop it. They have realized that power lies with the people, not the government," Abdullah remarked, praising the locals for their determination.

The former chief minister also highlighted the economic struggles faced by the people of Katra, stating, "The people living in these hills come here to earn their livelihood with the blessings of Mata. But they have been forgotten." He further criticized the shrine board, urging those in charge to consider the local population’s interests rather than prioritizing the project’s construction.

Abdullah’s remarks were a direct response to the ongoing opposition to the ropeway project by the Sangarsh Samiti, a local group that had organized a week-long shutdown earlier this month in protest. The shutdown had caused inconvenience to pilgrims, as it led to the closure of markets in Katra.

The ropeway project, while promising to ease the pilgrimage journey, has raised concerns about its impact on the local community. Many believe it could hurt the livelihood of residents who depend on pilgrims’ visits for their income.

In the face of these tensions, Abdullah’s bhajan performance and his comments in support of the locals have sparked significant discussion, making it a notable event in the ongoing debate over the future of Katra’s pilgrimage infrastructure.