JAMMU: Starting Wednesday, pony operators, shopkeepers, and other business owners in Katra will begin a 72-hour shutdown. They are protesting against a proposed ropeway project in Katra, which is the starting point for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Sangarsh Samiti announced the strike on Tuesday, saying that all activities in Katra will stop during the bandh.
A spokesperson from the Samiti said, “We have called for a 72-hour bandh in Katra starting tomorrow to oppose the ropeway project. We ask all Katra residents to support the strike.”
He mentioned that the administration had initially planned a meeting on December 23 but postponed it to 3 PM today.
“We met with the Deputy Commissioner today. They asked for more time to discuss the issue with higher authorities. So, we decided to go ahead with the strike,” he added.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine 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 proposed Rs 250-crore project will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
