Katra, the starting point for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, has been closed for five days as people protest a new ropeway project in the Trikuta hills. BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma said he will start a hunger strike if those arrested by police are not released in 24 hours. Five men are already on a hunger strike, asking for the release of people detained during earlier protests.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti called for the shutdown, stopping all activities in Katra.
For five days, shops and businesses have been shut, and there is no traffic. This has affected life in Katra, where many pilgrims visit daily.
Sharma joined the protesters on Sunday and warned he would go on a hunger strike if the detained members are not freed. “I will join my people in a hunger strike if they are not released,” he told the crowd.
He praised Katra’s residents for standing together and thanked young people and women for their support.
Sharma also said that the BJP has talked about the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders in Delhi. “Our leaders went to Delhi, and the home minister knows about the issue. They are working on a solution. That’s why I’m here with you,” he said.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti first called for the shutdown on December 25. On Friday night, they extended it by 72 hours to demand the ropeway project be stopped and the detained protesters released.
Five men are on a hunger strike, asking for the release of 18 samiti members detained during a protest against the ropeway project.
Several protesters, including leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, were detained by police during Wednesday’s protest.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to build a ropeway to help senior citizens, children, and others who find the 13-km path to the cave shrine difficult.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
