Protests Over Proposed Ropeway to Vaishno Devi Intensify; Jammu-Kashmir Police Allegedly Resort To Lathicharge

Protests against the proposed Rs 300 crore Katra-Sanjichhat ropeway project escalated on Wednesday (25 December), prompting a 72-hour shutdown in Katra town and an alleged lathicharge by the police.

The demonstrations, led by the Katra Sangharsh Samiti, have drawn participation from shopkeepers, eatery owners, and operators of ponies and palkis, all of whom are concerned about the project’s impact on their livelihoods.

The ropeway, intended to connect Tarakote on Katra’s outskirts with Sanjichhat, just 2.5 km from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, aims to reduce the 14-km trek and bypass the traditional Katra-Ban Ganga-Adi Kunwari route. However, protesters argue it will devastate businesses along the old route.

“The ropeway will adversely affect those people whose livelihoods depend on the pilgrims taking the old route,” a Katra Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson said.

A protest march on Wednesday turned confrontational when police stopped demonstrators, leading to a scuffle. “Several protesters were detained,” Samiti leaders claimed, accusing the administration of “derailing” negotiations.

Local police officials admitted using “mild lathicharge” to disperse the crowd, stating that the march “had the potential to disturb the law and order situation.” They declined to comment on the alleged detentions.

Meanwhile, Katra town wore a deserted look as shops and businesses remained closed. Hotels were instructed by the Samiti to accommodate only pilgrims with prior bookings. “We have told them not to take new bookings as the agitation may be a long one,” a Samiti leader said.

Despite the protests, it was business as usual at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Protesters are demanding the scrapping of the ropeway project, which they claim will harm thousands who rely on the pilgrimage route for their livelihoods.

The administration maintains that it is facilitating talks between the shrine board and protesters but does not have jurisdiction over the project.