Katra, the starting point for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir, shut down on Wednesday to protest a proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project. This project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, representing shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, led the protest. They argue that the ropeway will harm local businesses. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board plans to build the ropeway to help senior citizens, children, and others who struggle with the 13-km climb to the shrine.
The shutdown affected daily life in Katra, reducing traffic on the roads. The Samiti organized a large rally from Shalimar Park, where protesters carried signs, wore black armbands, and shouted slogans against the shrine board and the project.
Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, president of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union, said the board’s plan threatens the livelihoods of over 60,000 families. He stated that everyone, including hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony operators, laborers, and transporters, is against the project. Jamwal emphasized that all political parties and social groups in Jammu and Kashmir support the protest.
To strengthen their demand, five members of the group announced they would go on a hunger strike, seeking a written promise from the lieutenant governor or home minister to cancel the ropeway project.
Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma joined the rally, criticizing the government for not resolving the issue by December 15 as promised. The Samiti had paused protests after assurances from local authorities but resumed when no action was taken.
Sharma clarified that they are not against the shrine board itself but oppose the project, which they believe could harm both their livelihoods and religious sentiments.
