Complete shutdown in Katra against Vaishno Devi Ropeway project
Jammu: A complete shutdown was observed in Katra town, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Reasi district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in protest against the proposed ‘ill-conceived’ ropeway project.
According to Kashmir Media Service, protesters staged a big rally, carrying placards and wearing black armbands, demanding the immediate scrapping of the project.
“The shrine board is out to snatch our bread and butter,” said Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, president of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union. He highlighted that the shutdown saw participation from hoteliers, shopkeepers, labourers, and transporters, backed by political and social organizations across the occupied territory.
The ropeway project has sparked widespread outrage among locals who fear it will devastate their livelihoods and harm the region’s ecosystem.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin bearers, spearheaded the protests, claiming the project threatens the livelihood of over 60,000 families who depend on pilgrimage-related businesses.
The protests resumed after the district administration failed to fulfill earlier assurances to address the issue. Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma criticized the administration for breaking its commitment, resulting in the renewed agitation.
Protest leaders announced that five members would observe a hunger strike, demanding written assurances from the lieutenant governor to halt the project. “We are against this ill-conceived project that could destroy our livelihoods and hurt our sentiments,” Sharma said.
The shutdown disrupted daily life in Katra, with reduced vehicular traffic and a complete halt to commercial activities, underscoring the intensity of public opposition to the project.
