Shutdown in Katra Against Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project Enters Day Three
The protest against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project intensified as the shutdown in Katra entered its third consecutive day on Friday. More people joined the hunger strike to demand the release of those detained during earlier demonstrations.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti initiated a 72-hour bandh starting Wednesday, announcing that all activities in Katra, Jammu, and Kashmir, would remain suspended during the protest.
Women and children have now joined six protesters who began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 members of the Samiti arrested during a protest march earlier that day.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board recently resumed the long-delayed Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat. Spanning the 12-kilometer track to the shrine, the project aims to aid senior citizens, children, and others facing challenges climbing to the cave shrine.
However, the Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, claims the ropeway would devastate local livelihoods and has called for its cancellation.
Black flags drape the town as shops, restaurants, and businesses remain shut for the third day, and vehicular movement has come to a standstill. The bandh has severely impacted daily life in Katra, a major pilgrimage hub that sees thousands of devotees visiting the shrine daily.
“The shutdown is part of our peaceful protest against the ropeway project. A decision on further action will be taken soon,” said a Samiti spokesperson.
Criticizing the administration for its lack of engagement, the spokesperson stated, “Instead of addressing the concerns of peaceful protesters, including women and children, the authorities resorted to force. They must abandon the project threatening the livelihoods of Katra residents who depend on the pilgrimage economy.”
The spokesperson added that the detention of 18 Samiti leaders during a peaceful march was unwarranted. “This high-handedness is creating an avoidable crisis,” he said.
Shiva, one of the hunger strikers, was hospitalized after his condition worsened. “We’ll continue the strike until our demands are met. If one person falls ill, another will take their place,” said another protester.
The detained leaders, including Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were taken away from the protest site by the police on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in Jammu, the Shiv Sena Dogra Front (DFSS) expressed solidarity with pilgrims and called for an amicable resolution.
“We support better facilities for pilgrims. If needed, construct two ropeways instead of one and enhance amenities for the yatra,” said DFSS President Ashok Gupta.
Gupta emphasized the importance of the pilgrimage for Katra’s economy, adding, “The bandh is causing inconvenience to devotees, business owners, and pony operators alike.”
He added that if the situation remained unresolved, the DFSS would provide transport and food for pilgrims. “For three days, pilgrims have struggled due to closed eateries and limited transport. We will step in to assist them if necessary,” he said.
To mitigate the impact of the bandh, the Shrine Board has organized lodging and meals for arriving pilgrims. Special langars at key points, including Katra railway station, Banganga, and Tarakote, are offering tea and milk to ensure the yatra continues on both tracks.