Yogesh
Jammu, Dec 18 : Katra town, which serves as the base camp for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday in protest against the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. The shrine, located in Reasi district, attracts millions of devotees each year.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators and palanquin owners, led the protests, claiming that the ropeway would destroy the livelihoods of local business owners. Protesters demanded that the project be scrapped. To ensure law and order, the administration deployed additional police forces in Katra.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced the ropeway project last month, saying it would ease access to the temple for senior citizens, children and others who find it difficult to climb the 13-km-long track to the cave shrine.
However, those opposing the project say the ropeway will divert pilgrims from Katra’s market, leaving thousands of shopkeepers and service providers economically vulnerable. The shutdown disrupted normal life in the town, with reduced vehicular traffic and all businesses closed.
A large rally, supported by various organisations, was held by the Samiti from Shalimar Park, with protesters carrying placards, wearing black armbands and raising slogans against the shrine board and the ropeway project.
“The Sangharsh Samiti is fighting for our rights as the board is snatching the bread and butter of over 60,000 families. Everyone—hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony operators, labourers and transporters—has come out to the streets against the ropeway project. We want the project shelved,” said Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, president of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union.
Jamwal said that all political parties, except the BJP, and several social organisations in Jammu and Kashmir have extended their support. “We will fight for our rights. We will not tolerate this,” he asserted.
Leaders of the group announced that five of its members would go on a hunger strike to demand a written assurance from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha or Home Minister Amit Shah that the ropeway project would be scrapped.
Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, who joined the protest, criticised the government for failing to fulfill its commitment to resolve the issue by December 15. “The Samiti suspended its protests earlier based on assurances from local authorities, but no action has been taken,” Sharma said. “We are not against the shrine board, but its ill-conceived project could devastate livelihoods and religious sentiments.”
Pilgrims to Vaishno Devi faced hardships as all shops and businesses remained closed. Auto rickshaws were off the roads and pony operators and porters joined the strike. Pilgrims said they struggled to find food, water or transport. Many were seen wandering around Katra’s streets, unable to commute or begin their journey to the shrine.
Hundreds of people had earlier taken out a rally on December 15, demanding the release of those arrested following a clash between anti-ropeway protesters and police. Last month, similar protests by shopkeepers, labourers and pony and palanquin operators lasted for four days after the shrine board decided to proceed with the ropeway project.
While the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board claims the ropeway will enhance safety and convenience for pilgrims, local stakeholders say it threatens the town’s economic fabric and undermines the traditional pilgrimage experience—(KNO)
