Jammu & Kashmir: Ongoing Protests Against Katra Ropeway Project Enter Sixth Day
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Jammu, Dec 30 (NationPress) The opposition to the proposed ropeway project in the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine base camp town of Katra in Jammu & Kashmir has persisted into its sixth day as of Monday. A total shutdown has been observed, with protesting youths on a hunger strike.
The demonstrators are insisting on the cancellation of the proposed ropeway connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat and the immediate release of protesters detained by law enforcement.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti initiated the shutdown on Wednesday, calling for the halt of all commercial activities in Katra, the base camp town for the revered shrine.
Shivani Jamwal, spouse of detained Samiti leader Bhupinder Singh, joined the protest and has threatened to self-immolate if her husband and others are not released without delay.
For the sixth consecutive day on Monday, all shops, hotels, transport services, and other businesses remained shuttered.
This protest shutdown has severely impacted life in one of the nation’s busiest towns, as thousands of pilgrims visit daily to pay their respects at the cave shrine.
The number of devotees visiting the cave shrine has declined significantly due to the shutdown.
"The bandh will persist until the government abandons the ropeway project. This is a struggle for survival and dignity, ensuring the continuation of the pilgrimage via Mata’s traditional path,” activists from the Sangharsh Samiti asserted.
They claim that the government is intentionally exacerbating the situation by refusing to release the detainees or to engage in discussions with the Samiti.
Five young individuals have been on a hunger strike since Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, who were apprehended during a protest march against the ropeway project in Katra.
Numerous protesters, including two leaders of the Samiti, Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were among those detained by the police during the protest march on Wednesday.
In November this year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board unveiled plans to establish a ropeway to ease access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find the 13-kilometer trek to the cave shrine challenging.
The proposed Rs 300 crore ropeway project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading directly to the deity’s shrine.
