The bandh against the proposed ropeway project in Trikuta hills of Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir continued for the fourth day on Saturday. The protesters remained on a hunger strike in Katra demanding the release of several people detained by the police.
‘Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI)’ has extended its support to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti and urged the administration to resolve the issue through talks.
The closure of all business activities in the area was announced by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti earlier this week.
On Friday night, the committee extended the bandh for 72 hours.
All shops, restaurants and business establishments are closed from Wednesday.
Due to the bandh, normal life has been affected in Katra. In Katra, one of the busiest cities of the country, a large number of people visit Vaishno Devi shrine every day.
“We have extended the strike last night. It will continue for the next 72 hours until the government cancels the ropeway project,” the committee spokesperson said.
Five people are on hunger strike demanding the release of 18 committee members who were detained during a protest march against the ropeway project.
In Jammu, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary termed the decision to construct the ropeway a wrong decision and urged the Lieutenant Governor to talk to the protesters to resolve the issue.
“If the people of Katra do not want the ropeway project, then the Shrine Board and LG (Lieutenant Governor) sahib should listen to them and solve their problems,” he said.
JCCI President Arun Gupta said that development projects that harm the local population should not be pursued.
Gupta said, “Now the time has come to talk to the people protesting in Katra and resolve the issue amicably.”
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans for a ropeway at a cost of Rs 250 crore to ease access to the shrine, especially for senior citizens, children and others unable to undertake the 13-km long journey to the cave shrine. Was.
