JAMMU: The protest against a proposed ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district continued for the fourth day on Saturday. Protesters are on a hunger strike, demanding the release of several people detained by police in Katra.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) supports the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti and has urged the administration to resolve the issue through talks.
Earlier this week, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced a shutdown of all commercial activities in the area. On Friday night, they extended the bandh by 72 hours.
Since Wednesday, all shops, restaurants, and businesses have been closed. This has disrupted normal life in Katra, a busy town where thousands of pilgrims visit daily to pray at the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine.
“We extended the strike last night. It will continue for the next 72 hours until the government cancels the ropeway project,” said a Samiti spokesperson.
Five men are on a hunger strike, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members detained during a protest march against the ropeway project.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary called the decision to build the ropeway “wrong” and urged the Lieutenant Governor to talk with the protesters to resolve the issue.
“If the people of Katra do not want a ropeway, which will take away the livelihood of 40,000 people, the Shrine Board and LG Sahib should listen to them and address their concerns,” he said.
JCCI President Arun Gupta visited the protesters in Katra and said development projects that harm local people should not continue.
“It is time to hold talks with the people protesting in Katra and resolve the issue peacefully,” Gupta said.
The conflict began last month when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to build a ropeway to help senior citizens, children, and others who find it hard to climb the 13-km path to the cave shrine.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
Since the bandh started, the Shrine Board has arranged special boarding and lodging for pilgrims arriving in the town. Special food services at Katra Railway Station, Banganga, and Tarakote offer tea and milk to pilgrims, ensuring the yatra continues smoothly on both tracks.
