Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visited Katra on Sunday. He went there because Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked him to check on the issues people have with a ropeway project.
People in Katra have been protesting in the cold for days. They are worried about the ropeway project, the detention of some young people, and an expressway. Choudhary talked to many people to understand their concerns.
He promised that the government would listen to the people and not force any decisions on them. He prepared a report about the situation to give to the chief minister. The Shrine Board, which is responsible for the project, will decide what to do next. Choudhary said the Board should respect what the people of Katra want.
Choudhary also plans to talk to the lieutenant governor, who leads the Shrine Board, to help solve the problem. He said all political parties support the people of Katra in this matter.
During his visit, Choudhary met with several groups who shared their problems and demands. He assured them that the government cares about their well-being and development.
Katra, where the Mata Vaishno Devi temple is located, has been closed for five days because of protests against the ropeway project. Five young people are on a hunger strike, asking for the release of others detained by the police during earlier protests.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which organized the shutdown, said all activities in Katra would stop during the protest.
