Checkpoint Stops Ponies Without Valid Cards on Trikuta Hills Pilgrimage Route
Security forces in the Riyadi district set up a temporary checkpost at Ban Ganga on the way to the Vaishno Devi cave temple. The operation resulted in the detention of two pony operators—Raj Singh of Kakra and Abhishek Singh of Thakrakot—who could not produce the legally required pony card.
The checkpoint was part of a broader effort to tighten security ahead of the national Independence Day holiday. All pony, pithu and palanquin service providers were subject to verification, reflecting the authorities’ intent to prevent unauthorized transport on the steep 12‑13 kilometre trek from Katra base camp to the shrine.
Following their arrest, the men were taken to Katra police station where two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were recorded under applicable statutes. Officials warned that strict enforcement will continue, particularly in zones with high pilgrim footfall, to protect the safety and smooth movement of devotees.