Shutdown in Katra over ropeway project enters 4th day; industry extends support

The shutdown against the proposed ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district entered its fourth day on Saturday after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti extended it for another 72 hours on Friday night.

Meanwhile, the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) has extended its support to the Sangharsh Samiti and urged the administration to resolve the issue with talks.

Apart from the shutdown, a group of people are sitting on a hunger strike demanding release of 18 members of the Samiti, detained during a protest march against the ropeway project.

“We extended the strike last night. It will continue for the next 72 hours until the government shelves the ropeway project,” the Samiti spokesperson said.

On Saturday, JCCI President Arun Gupta, who led a team to meet the protesters in Katra, stated that development projects which harm the local population should not be pursued. He also said the issue needs to be resolved amicably.

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.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary in Jammu termed the decision to construct the ropeway a “wrong decision” and urged the Lieutenant Governor to engage with the protesters to resolve the issue.

“If the people of Katra do not want a ropeway, which will take away the livelihood of 40,000 people, the Shrine Board and L-G Sahib should listen to them and address their concerns,” he said.

All shops, restaurants, and business establishments have been shut in Katra since Wednesday.

The bandh has disrupted normal life in one of the busiest towns in the country, where thousands of pilgrims arrive every day to pray at the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine.

Meanwhile, Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) on Saturday extended support to the protesters. The Sabha condemned the administration for arresting people who were peacefully protesting for their genuine demands.

Since the bandh, the Shrine Board has made special arrangements for the boarding and lodging of pilgrims arriving in the town. Special langars set up by the Shrine Board at Katra Railway Station, Banganga, and Tarakote are offering tea and milk to pilgrims.