Protests intensify as shopkeepers, pony operators and other locals demand the halt of the controversial ropeway linking Tarakote Marg to ﷺSanji Chhat. They fear it willꦿ hurt Katra’s economy and impact pilgrimage tourism.
Localsꦿ in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra will observe a protest against the proposed Rs 250 crore ropeway project intended to link Tarakote Marg to Sa൲nji Chhat, an important part of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route.
There is a call for complete shutdown to be observed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which claims to represent shopkeepers, pony operators and palanquin owners. The protestors claim the ropeway will diver𓆏t pilgrims away from Katra’s markets, and it would result in a significant loss of income for thousands who rely on the pilgrimage trade.
The agitation intensified on December 15 when hundreds of demonstrators marched through Katra’s main market and chanted slogans against the shrine board and the project. Led by former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, the march began at Shalimar Park and ended at the bus stand. The protestors also demanded that those arrested following clashes between police and anti-ropeway demonstrators 💦last month be released.
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The Samiti had previously suspended protests after assurances from local authorities. But it resumed the agitation after no action was taken by the district administration. "We were promised a solution by December 15, but nothing has been done,ꩲ" said Sharma. “We are not against the shrine board, but against this ill-conceived project that could devastate 🅰both our livelihoods and our religious sentiments."
Sharma and other leaders are calling for the central government and the lieuten♏ant governor to immediately halt the project.
President of the Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union Bhupinder Singh Jamwal announced that five members of the Samiti would go on a hunger strike during the December 18 bandh. Their demand is a written assurance from the lieute♏nant governor or the home minister that the ro𝐆peway project will be scrapped.
