Protests in Katra, J&K, Conclude After 8 Days
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Jammu, Jan 1 (NationPress) A significant development unfolded on Wednesday, bringing an end to the ongoing protests in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine base camp town of Katra.
Shopkeepers, hoteliers, transport operators, and Pony and Palki wallahs have been voicing their dissent for the past eight days against the proposed Rs 300-crore ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg in Katra to Sanji Chhat at the Mata’s cave shrine.
In response, the administration established a 4-member team on Tuesday to facilitate discussions with the protesters. They have already announced the release of all detained individuals, including the leaders of the Samiti.
Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, informed reporters that these resolutions came after comprehensive discussions with members of civil society.
“Following the discussions, it was concluded that all those detained would be released and the market would reopen. Moreover, work on the ropeway project will be halted until the committee concludes its discussions. The Lieutenant Governor has instituted a four-member committee,” Ramesh Kumar stated.
Included in the committee are Ramesh Kumar and the CEO of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Accompanied by leaders from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, the divisional commissioner reassured reporters that all concerns will be addressed in the committee meetings.
“Shops will resume operations tonight. We trust that no one will hinder this process. This will be the most favorable outcome,” remarked a representative from the Samiti.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti initiated the shutdown in protest against the proposed ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district on December 25.
On that same day, several protesters, including two Samiti leaders, Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were detained by police.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board unveiled plans for a ropeway intended to improve access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who struggle to ascend the 13-km trek to the cave shrine. This proposed Rs 300-crore project aims to link Tarakote Marg with Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine.
Numerous political and trade organizations have voiced their support for the protesters in Katra. Data from the shrine board indicates that approximately one crore devotees visited the shrine in 2024.
