News Brief
Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway: J&K Administration Forms Four-Member Committee To Address Katra Protests, Releases Detained Protesters
Vaishno Devi Bhawan. (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board).
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has formed a four-member committee to engage in talks with protesters opposing the Katra ropeway project.
The decision was announced by Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar following detailed discussions with civil society members.
“After the discussions, it was decided that all those detained will be released and the market will be reopened,” Kumar told reporters.
“Secondly, the work on the ropeway will remain suspended until the committee completes its discussions," it added.
The protests, spearheaded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, began on 25 December, leading to a shutdown of Katra town, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
The samiti had called for the shutdown to oppose the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanjichhat, easing access for senior citizens and others unable to climb the 13-km track to the cave shrine.
Kumar confirmed that all detainees would be released, and markets would reopen promptly.
"The shops will be reopened tonight. We hope no one sabotages this process now. This will be the best decision," a samiti representative said.
The lieutenant governor has constituted the committee, which includes the divisional commissioner and the CEO of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, among others.
"All issues will be discussed during the committee's meetings," Kumar assured.
