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KATRA: The ongoing protest in Katra against the proposed ropeway project entered its third day, with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti extending the shutdown for an additional 72 hours. The standoff between the administration and protesting locals remains unresolved as demonstrations gain momentum.
Shops, restaurants, and other establishments across the town remained shut for the third consecutive day, and vehicles stayed off the roads. Black flags were prominently displayed as a mark of protest against the ropeway project, which would connect Tarakote Marg with Sanji Chhat near the Vaishno Devi shrine.
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The hunger strike, initiated on Wednesday night, saw increased participation, including women and children. One protester, Shiva, was hospitalized after his condition worsened. Protesters vowed to continue the strike until the release of 18 detained members of the Samiti, who were arrested during a march against the project.
“Our hunger strike will persist until all detained individuals are freed,” said one protester, adding that replacements would join the hunger strike as needed.
The Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, palanquin owners, and other local stakeholders, unanimously decided to extend the shutdown following a meeting on Friday. Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma criticized the administration for its lack of engagement, calling the situation an “unnecessary crisis.”
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“Our primary demand is to abandon the ropeway project as it threatens the livelihoods of Katra’s residents, who depend on the pilgrimage economy,” Sharma said. He also called for the release of detained protesters and the connection of the Expressway to Tarakote Marg.
The protests have received widespread support. Congress leader Jai Sidh Bhalla and Arun Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have voiced solidarity with the Samiti. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of the National Conference, urged the Shrine Board to ensure that no livelihoods are jeopardized by the project.
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The proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project, recently revived by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, aims to improve access to the temple for senior citizens and others struggling with the 12-kilometre climb. However, the Sangharsh Samiti argues that the project would devastate the local economy dependent on traditional pilgrimage services, calling for its cancellation.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the administration to address the concerns of Katra’s residents and prevent further unrest.
