News Brief
Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway: Here's Why Locals In J&K's Katra Are Protesting Against The Rs 250 Crore Project
A ropeway to Vaishno Devi Temple.
A complete shutdown will be observed in Katra in Jammu today (18 December) as locals protest against the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway linking Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, a body representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, reportedly decided on the bandh during a recent meeting, citing concerns about the ropeway’s adverse effects on Katra’s economy.
Opponents of the project claim that the ropeway will bypass Katra’s market, potentially affecting thousands of shopkeepers and service providers reliant on pilgrim traffic.
On 15 December, hundreds of protesters marched through Katra’s main market, chanting slogans against the shrine board for setting up the ropeway project.
Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims heading to Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma joined the rally, which began at Shalimar Park and ended at the bus stand.
Protesters also demanded the release of individuals arrested after a clash with police last month over the ropeway project.
Protests erupted last month when shopkeepers, labourers, and pony and palanquin operators staged a four-day demonstration against the shrine board’s decision to proceed with the ropeway project.
Sharma clarified that the protesters oppose the ropeway project, not the shrine board.
“The central government and lieutenant governor immediately put a halt to the project which we believe will destroy the pilgrimage and also hit Katra economically,” he added.
Sharma stated that the Samiti would resume protests, which were paused last month following assurances from the district administration.
“We were promised a solution on the issue by 15 December but nothing was done. They have not respected our demand for revocation of FIR and instead arrested the protesters,” he said, seeking support of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Jammu Bar Association to the protesters.
Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union President Bhupinder Singh Jamwal announced that five Samiti members would also sit on a hunger strike during the 18 December bandh.
“We want a written assurance either from the lieutenant governor or home minister that no ropeway will be constructed,” he said.
