The strike in Katra against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project continued for the third day on Friday, with more people sitting on hunger strike demanding the release of those detained during earlier protests.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti has called for a 72-hour strike from Wednesday. The committee has announced that all activities will remain suspended in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir during the bandh.
Women and children have now joined the six protesters who began a hunger strike on Wednesday night. They are demanding the release of 18 committee members detained during a protest march against the project that day.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had decided to go ahead with the Rs 250 crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakot Marg to Sanjhi Chhat, a 12-km track up to the shrine. Earlier this project was postponed due to similar protests.
It said the project would make access to the temple easier for senior citizens, children and others who face difficulty in climbing the path leading to the cave temple.
The committee representing shopkeepers, pony handlers and palanquin owners argues that the ropeway will destroy the livelihoods of local business owners and has demanded that the project be cancelled.
Following the committee’s call for protest, black flags were displayed across the city as shops, restaurants and other business establishments remained closed for the third day and vehicular movement came to a standstill.
The shutdown has disrupted normal life at one of India’s busiest pilgrimage sites, where thousands of devotees visit the holy cave shrine every day to seek blessings.
The committee spokesperson said, “This bandh is part of our 72-hour long bandh against the ropeway project. It is going on peacefully. The committee will soon decide on the next course of action.”
Criticizing the administration’s negligence, the spokesperson said, “The administration is indifferent to the plight of people, including women and children, who are protesting peacefully. Our simple demand is that this project be postponed as it will jeopardize the livelihood of Katra residents. at risk, most of whom depend on the pilgrimage economy.”
He further claimed that instead of initiating talks, the administration resorted to force, including detaining committee leaders during peaceful protests. “They are creating unnecessary distress with their approach,” he said.
Shiva, who was on hunger strike, had to be admitted to the hospital after his condition deteriorated. Another person involved in the hunger strike said, “Our hunger strike will continue until those detained are released. If someone falls ill, someone else will take his place.”
During the march on Wednesday, police detained eighteen protesters, including committee leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, and took them away from the protest site. The proposed Rs 250 crore ropeway project will connect the Tarakote route to Sanji Chhat, which leads to the cave temple in Reasi district.
Shiv Sena Dogra Front (DFSS) in Jammu extended its support to the pilgrims facing difficulties due to the bandh and urged that the issue be resolved amicably.
DFSS Chairman Ashok Gupta said, “We stand with the pilgrims and support better facilities. If necessary make two ropeways instead of one. Provide more facilities for the pilgrims during the journey.”
Gupta said the pilgrimage has given a major boost to Katra’s economy, and the closure is causing inconvenience to devotees. “Travel, trade, pony vendors all depend on the pilgrims. They should not be inconvenienced,” he said.
He said, “Pilgrims have been facing huge difficulties for the last three days. If the authorities fail to resolve the problem, we will use our vehicles to transport the pilgrims to the temple and provide them food “
However, many pilgrims expressed dissatisfaction over the closure of eateries and non-availability of local transport, causing considerable inconvenience to them during their visit to the cave temple.
To mitigate the impact of the shutdown, the Shrine Board has made arrangements for food and accommodation for pilgrims visiting the city. Tea and milk are being provided by running special langars at Katra Railway Station, Banganga and Tarakote to ensure that the journey continues smoothly on both the tracks.
