JAMMU: In Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, a shutdown against a proposed ropeway project continued into its second day on Thursday. Protesters are also on a hunger strike, demanding the release of those detained by police the previous day. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti called for a 72-hour shutdown starting Wednesday, saying all activities in Katra would stop during this time.
The samiti spokesperson said, “The bandh will go on until the government cancels the ropeway project. It threatens the livelihoods of most Katra residents who rely on the pilgrimage economy.”
Last month, the board decided to build the ropeway to help senior citizens, children, and others who find it hard to climb the 13-km path to the cave shrine.
The samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, claims the ropeway will harm local businesses and wants the project stopped.
On Thursday, for the second day, all shops, restaurants, and businesses stayed closed, and there was no traffic in the town.
A samiti member said the administration is using force instead of talking with them, including detaining their leaders during a peaceful protest. “They are creating this situation with their attitude,” he said.
Six protesters began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 samiti members detained during a protest march against the ropeway project.
“We want them released. If they were protesting peacefully, they shouldn’t have been detained. We’ll continue the hunger strike until they’re freed,” said one protester.
Several protesters, including samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were detained by police during Wednesday’s march.
In Udhampur, some people protested against the Shrine Board and the government, criticizing them for not addressing Katra residents’ demands and calling for the release of the detained individuals.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
Despite the bandh, the Shrine Board has arranged for pilgrims’ boarding and lodging in the town.
“Over 93 lakh yatris have visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine this year,” said Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board, on X.
He added that special food services at the Katra railway station, Banganga, and Tarakote are providing tea and milk to pilgrims, ensuring the yatra continues smoothly on both tracks.
However, pilgrims traveling to the cave shrine expressed frustration over the closure of eateries and lack of local transport, causing inconvenience.
“We want the protesters to end the bandh as it’s affecting our pilgrimage. If this continues, pilgrims from outside may cancel their trips,” said one pilgrim.
Another devotee stressed that eating places, local transport, and lodges should be kept open, as the bandh is causing significant hardship.
“The bandh is causing huge inconvenience to the pilgrims,” another devotee added.
