Protests erupt against Vaishno Devi ropeway project in Jammu
Locals threaten hunger strike against threat to livelihoods of thousands
Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, scores of people held a massive protest in Katra town against the proposed Rs 250-crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project, threatening to resume a chain hunger strike if the plan is not scrapped.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters, carrying banners against the authorities, shouted slogans such as “No to Ropeway” and demanded that the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board immediately shelve the project. The proposed ropeway aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre track to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
Locals said the project would adversely affect the livelihoods of over 60,000 families, including hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony operators, and labourers who depend on the pilgrimage economy.
“We will not allow the ropeway project here. It will destroy our source of income,” protester Sahil Singh told reporters, adding that the protests would continue until the project was withdrawn.
He said local groups including the Sangharsh Samiti, Yuva Rajput Sabha, and the Chamber of Commerce had extended full support to their agitation. “The administration had promised consultations before any decision, but it went back on its word. We are left with no choice but to protest,” he added.
Katra had earlier witnessed a week-long shutdown and protests in December last year, during which 18 protesters were detained. The administration had then formed a committee to hold talks with stakeholders, but locals say no concrete action followed.
The protesters vowed to intensify their agitation if the authorities fail to heed their demand to cancel the controversial ropeway project.
