Jammu & Kashmir

Katra observes shutdown to protest Vaishno Devi ropeway project

Vaishno Devi ropeway project.

Jammu: Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, observed a shutdown on Wednesday to oppose the proposed ₹250-crore ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat in Reasi district.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, led a protest march, claiming the project would destroy local livelihoods. They demanded its cancellation.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had announced the ropeway to assist senior citizens, children, and others struggling with the 13-km trek to the shrine.

However, Wednesday’s strike disrupted daily life in Katra, with reduced vehicular movement and a large rally backed by various groups marching from Shalimar Park. Protesters, wearing black armbands and carrying placards, chanted slogans against the shrine board.

Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, president of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union told PTI that the project threatens the livelihoods of over 60,000 families, including hoteliers, shopkeepers, transporters, and labourers.

“We want the project shelved and will not tolerate this attack on our rights,” he was quoted by PTI as saying.

Protest leaders announced that five members would observe a hunger strike, demanding a written assurance from the lieutenant governor or the home minister to scrap the project.

Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, who joined the rally, criticized the government for failing to address the issue by the promised deadline of December 15. “This project is poorly planned and risks both our livelihoods and religious sentiments,” he said.

The protests had earlier been suspended following assurances from local authorities but resumed after no action was taken.

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