Shutdown Protests Erupt in Katra, J&K Over Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway Initiative
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Jammu, Dec 18 (NationPress) A shutdown protest was organized in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra on Wednesday in opposition to the proposed ropeway project that aims to connect the town with the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine located atop the Trikuta Hills.
The protest was directed against the planned Rs 250-crore ropeway project that links Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the revered cave shrine.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, claiming to represent local shopkeepers, 'pony wallahs', hoteliers, and palanquin operators, argued that the construction of the ropeway would threaten their livelihoods.
Last month, the Shrine Board announced the installation of the ropeway to improve accessibility for the elderly, children, and others who struggle with the 13-km trek to the shrine.
This protest shutdown significantly affected daily life in the town, including disrupting vehicular movement.
A substantial rally was conducted by activists of the Sangharsh Samiti at Shalimar Park to voice their opposition to the ropeway.
Demonstrators carried placards and donned black bands, chanting slogans against the Shrine Board and the ropeway project.
The Sangharsh Samiti claims to represent 60,000 families involved in various local businesses, including shopkeepers, hoteliers, laborers, 'pony wallahs', palanquin operators, and transporters.
Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, president of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union, stated that the ropeway project should be halted.
Kanwal mentioned that all political parties and social organizations within Jammu and Kashmir have shown solidarity with the protest.
Leaders of the Samiti announced that five members would engage in a hunger strike to demand a written commitment from the Lt Governor or the Home Minister for the abandonment of the ropeway project.
Following assurances from local authorities, the Samiti leaders had paused their protests until December 15.
In the meantime, police and security forces patrolled the town to maintain order.
