Katra ropeway project: Sangarsh Samiti starts 72hr shutdown, 20 protesters detained

JAMMU: Life came to a standstill in the holy town of Katra in Jammu on Wednesday in response to a 72-hour shutdown call by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti protesting the proposed ropeway project from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. All business establishments remained closed while traffic kept off roads. Cops intercepted the protesters from advancing towards the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board office, leading to a minor scuffle between both sides. Police detained 20 agitators, two of whom were later released while the other 18 remained under detention.
Led by Samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, agitators raised slogans against Shrine Board and the administration, marching through the town’s main market. They alleged that the project would not only destroy the livelihoods of local business owners but also disrupt the original form of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra as written in ancient scriptures, further claiming that the Board was adopting a stubborn approach instead of looking for a solution.
Singh alleged that J&K govt was derailing the issue and forcing people of Katra to take to the roads. “We demand the shelving of this project to save the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Instead of negotiating with us on the issue, as promised by the administration earlier, they (govt) are using force to silence our voices,” he claimed.
“The 72-hour shutdown by pony owners, shopkeepers and other local stakeholders began Wednesday,” said a Samiti spokesperson, adding: “A delegation of protesters met the Reasi deputy commissioner, who sought more time to consult higher authorities. It just seemed an attempt to buy time, so we have decided to continue with the strike.”
Former minister Jugal Kishore criticised the “use of force” against the protesters. Accusing the administration of sideling a peaceful solution through dialogue, Kishore said, “Instead of holding talks, they are aggravating the situation.” BJP’s local unit in Reasi as well as Congress supported the ongoing protest. BJP members led by former J&K minister Ajay Nanda joined the agitation.
The Shrine Board has planned to install the ropeway to facilitate senior citizens, children and others who find the 13km-trek challenging, access the shrine. The proposed project, which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 250 crore, aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat.