JAMMU: The shutdown in Katra town in J&K’s Reasi district against the proposed ropeway project entered the third day Friday, even as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, spearheading the strike, extended the agitation for another 72 hours and said all activities in the holy town would remain suspended during the shutdown.
Meanwhile, Sena (UBT)’s J&K unit claimed that the ropeway project would destroy the mythological form of the ancient shrine by encouraging devotees to undertake an incomplete journey, calling it a “mockery” of religious faith. J&K Sena (UBT) president Manish Sahni led some members to join the protest in Katra but were stopped by police near Numai area and sent back to Jammu.
Till the time of going to press, the Samiti was meeting representatives of Hotel & Lodges Association Katra and Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) Jammu for further course of action. “The bandh is going on peacefully. Our simple demand is the shelving of the project, as it threatens the livelihood of thousands of people,” said a Samiti spokesperson at the protest venue at Fountain Square near main Katra bus stand.
“Our hunger strike will continue until all 18 individuals detained on Wednesday are released,” said a strike participant. Criticising the administration for its lack of engagement, the spokesperson said, “Instead of initiating dialogue, the administration resorted to force, including the detention of Samiti leaders during a peaceful protest. They are creating an unnecessary crisis with their rigid approach.”
In Jammu, the Shiv Sena Dogra Front extended its support for pilgrims facing hardships due to the bandh, urging the issue be resolved amicably.
After shelving the venture several times in the past over similar protests, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has decided to move ahead with the Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-km track to the shrine. The service aims to facilitate senior citizens, children and others who find the 13km-trek challenging, to access the shrine.
The Samiti — representing shopkeepers, pony operators and palanquin owners — has demanded the shelving of the project, alleging it would not only destroy the livelihoods of local business owners but also disrupt the original form of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra as written in ancient scriptures.
Meanwhile, the Shrine Board has arranged boarding and lodging for pilgrims arriving in the town besides organising special langars (community kitchens) at Katra railway station, Banganga and Tarakote, to ease the difficulties of pilgrims and to ensure the yatra continues smoothly on both tracks.