Katra: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday took everyone by surprise by singing a 'bhajan' dedicated to Mata Shera Wali. Abdullah joined a group of singers and performed the devotional song, "Tune Mujhe Bulaya Sherawaliye, Main Aaya Main Aaya Sherawaliye." The video of his performance soon went viral.

"Tune mujhe bulaya Sherawaliye, main aaya main aaya Sherawaliye," Abdullah sang. Notably, a 'bhajan' programme was held at an ashram in J&K's Katra. Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah voiced support for the people of Katra in their protest against the ropeway project.

Farooq Abdullah Singing Devotional Song:

"Those running the shrine's operations should not take actions that harm the interests of the local people or create problems for them," the ex-K&K CM said as reported by PTI.

Abdullah extended his support to locals in Katra against the ropeway project and criticised the board for starting the construction of the project without considering the city's interests. "You showed courage and fought bravely to stop it. They have realised that power lies with the people, not the government," he stated.

He added, "The people living in these hills come here to earn their livelihood with the blessings of Mata. But they have been forgotten. They think they are everything. They are nothing. When the power of God prevails, everything else fades away. Just look at what is happening in California."

Earlier this month, the Sangarsh Samiti, protesting against the project called off a week-long shutdown. The shutdown caused inconvenience to pilgrims as the markets were closed in Katra.

The ropeway project was announced by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. It aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. Due to this project pilgrims can directly; reach the shrine escaping the 13-km trek.

(With inputs from agencies)