Yogesh
Jammu, Dec 27: The ongoing shutdown in Katra, the base camp for the Shri Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, entered its third day on Friday, with the agitation against the proposed ropeway project intensifying as more locals joined a hunger strike.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which called for a 72-hour shutdown starting Wednesday, announced the suspension of all activities in Katra during the bandh. The protest is aimed at halting the Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project proposed between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre track to the shrine.
According to reports, six protesters began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members detained during a protest march earlier that day. Women and children have since joined the protest.
The detained members include prominent Samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, who were taken into custody for participating in what the Samiti claims was a peaceful demonstration.
Shiva, a hunger striker whose condition deteriorated, had to be hospitalised, but other participants pledged to continue the strike, with replacements ready to step in if needed.
The ropeway project, approved by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, aims to facilitate access to the shrine, particularly for senior citizens and children who face difficulty climbing the steep track. The board had earlier shelved the project due to similar protests.
However, the Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators and palanquin owners, has expressed concern that the project would devastate local livelihoods, as many residents depend on the pilgrimage economy for their income.
Shops, restaurants and other business establishments have remained closed, and vehicular movement is at a standstill in Katra. Black flags displayed across the town symbolise widespread dissent.
The bandh has caused inconvenience to the thousands of pilgrims who visit the shrine daily. Many have complained about the closure of eateries and the lack of local transport.
The Shrine Board has arranged special facilities to mitigate the impact of the shutdown. Langars at the Katra railway station, Banganga and Tarakote are providing tea and milk to pilgrims. Boarding and lodging arrangements have also been made to ensure the yatra continues smoothly.
A spokesperson for the Samiti criticised the administration for its lack of engagement with the protesters, saying, “Instead of initiating dialogue, the administration resorted to force by detaining our leaders. This approach is creating an unnecessary crisis.”
The spokesperson called for the project to be shelved, saying it poses a threat to the livelihoods of Katra residents. “Our demand is simple: protect the economy of Katra’s residents who depend on the pilgrimage,” he added.
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front (DFSS) expressed support for the pilgrims and urged the authorities to resolve the issue amicably. DFSS President Ashok Gupta called for building additional ropeways and enhancing amenities for pilgrims to ensure that all stakeholders, including business owners and pony operators, are considered.
“Pilgrimage, business and ponywalas are all dependent on the yatra. Prolonged disruptions will only hurt everyone involved,” Gupta said, adding that his group is prepared to provide transport and food to pilgrims if the situation worsens.
