Katra shutdown enters second day as protests against ropeway project intensify
Jammu: A shutdown in Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Reasi district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, entered its second day today, as protests continued against a controversial proposed ropeway project.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing local shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, also called for a 72-hour strike, demanding the release of those detained by Indian police during protests the previous day.
For the second day, all shops, restaurants, and businesses in Katra remained closed, and traffic was halted. A spokesperson for the Samiti said, “The bandh will continue until the government scraps the ropeway project, which threatens the livelihoods of Katra residents dependent on the pilgrimage economy.”
The Samiti argued that the project would devastate local businesses and criticized the administration for using force and detaining leaders during peaceful protests. Six protesters began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 detained Samiti members.
In Udhampur, protests were held against the Hindu Shrine Board and the authorities, condemning their inaction on Katra residents’ demands and calling for the release of the detained leaders.
