Protest over Vaishno Devi ropeway intensifies as political parties step in

The protest against the proposed ropeway for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage has taken a political turn, with parties including the Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticising the shrine management for “snatching the livelihood of the poor.”

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A Congress delegation, led by the working president of the J&K unit, Raman Bhalla, was stopped at Ban Toll Plaza while on their way to Katra to meet shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners who are on a three-day strike that began on Wednesday.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced last month that it would commence work on the Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. Local business owners fear the project will divert pilgrim traffic away from their establishments, severely affecting their livelihoods.

Interestingly, even the Kashmir-based PDP has joined the issue. It has expressed concerns about pilgrimage sites being transformed into tourist destinations. Condemning the cane charge on demonstrators during the first day of the strike on Wednesday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti posted on X, stating: “I condemn the lathi charge on locals in Katra protesting against the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The unwarranted crackdown on the Sangarsh Samiti (an umbrella organization of stakeholders) has led to the arrest of 18 of its members.”

She further added, “This trend of converting sacred sites into tourist destinations must be stopped, as it not only threatens the livelihood of thousands but also disrespects the spiritual and cultural significance of these sites. I urge the authorities to reconsider the project and release those arrested.”

In a statement, Congress criticised the administration for failing to resolve the issue through discussions with stakeholders. “The administration should have addressed the genuine demands of the agitating labour class and other residents instead of resorting to arbitrary and harsh actions,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Tourism Trade and Industry Katra (CTTIK) has called on Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the chairman of the Shrine Board, to initiate dialogue with stakeholders regarding the proposed ropeway project.

CTTIK president Raj Kumar Padha condemned the detention of members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, who were protesting to raise their concerns in Katra. CTTIK also appealed to the Reasi administration and Shrine Board authorities to uphold democratic principles and respect the sentiments of those involved.

“We urge the authorities to engage in meaningful discussions with all relevant stakeholders to address and resolve the pressing issues amicably. This collaborative approach will preserve the sanctity and smooth functioning of the pilgrimage,” it stated.

The strike, called by the stakeholders, is expected to continue until Friday. It may be extended if the administration does not respond. Pilgrims visiting the shrine are facing difficulties as, for the second consecutive day on Thursday, all shops, restaurants, and business establishments remained closed, and traffic was off the roads in the holy town.