Katra shutdown against Vaishno Devi ropeway project enters third day
Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing shutdown in Katra town in Reasi district against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project entered its third day today.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the strike, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, began on Wednesday. During the shutdown, all activities in Katra have come to a standstill, with businesses closed and traffic halted.
The Samiti’s demand to halt the ropeway project stems from concerns that it would threaten the livelihoods of local residents, most of whom depend on the pilgrimage economy. They argue that the project would displace workers and disrupt local businesses.
As tensions rise, more people, including women and children, have joined a hunger strike that started on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 detained Samiti members arrested during earlier protests.
The ropeway project was revived last month by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which governs the Vaishno Devi temple, after it had been shelved due to similar protests. However, the Samiti insists the project will harm Katra’s economy and has called for its immediate cancellation.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the Samiti has criticized the administration for its failure to engage with protesters and for resorting to force and detentions. “The administration is ignoring the concerns of the people and escalating the crisis,” said a Samiti spokesperson. “Our demand is simple: shelve the project to protect the livelihoods of Katra’s residents.”
