JAMMU, Jul 15: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu & Kashmir unit, has welcomed the intervention of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Jammu, in the alleged silver purity case linked to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, and demanded a fair and impartial investigation either by the CBI or under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge.
State president Manish Sahni said the response of the administration and the Crime Branch had been disappointing despite the seriousness of the allegations. He alleged that the failure to register an FIR and initiate a prompt investigation had raised serious questions. Sahni described the CJM’s direction summoning the Crime Branch, along with the complete case record, on July 29 as a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency.
He said that following the recent revelations regarding the alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, public concern over financial transparency and accountability in major religious institutions had grown considerably. In such a situation, he said, a fair, time-bound and transparent investigation into the Vaishno Devi silver purity case was essential to safeguard the faith of millions of devotees.
Sahni said the investigation should establish whether devotees were allegedly sold impure silver or whether the silver stored in the Shrine Board’s treasury had been tampered with at any stage. If either allegation is found to be true, he said, it would amount not merely to financial misconduct but to a serious betrayal of the trust and faith of millions of devotees.
Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded the immediate registration of an FIR against the responsible officials under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The party also urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to issue a White Paper on the entire matter to place the factual position before the devotees and restore public confidence. On this occasion Raj Singh, Sanjay Bhatt, Raju Kapoor were present.
The Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of renowned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike. The party prayed for his speedy recovery and wished him good health., who is on an indefinite hunger strike in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
J&K unit president Manish Sahni described Wangchuk as the region’s “priceless gem” and a symbol of hope for millions of young people. He urged the Centre to immediately engage in meaningful dialogue, address the students’ legitimate concerns, and warned that any harm to Wangchuk would be viewed as the government’s moral responsibility. Today (July 15, 2026) is the 18th day of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike.