A 72-hour strike by pony vendors, shopkeepers and other owners will begin from Wednesday in protest against the proposed ropeway project in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
Announcing the strike on Tuesday, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Sangharsh Samiti said that all activities in Katra will remain suspended during the strike.
The committee spokesperson said, “We have announced a 72-hour strike in Katra from tomorrow against the ropeway project. We seek the support of all residents of Katra to make the strike successful.”
He said the administration had initially promised to hold the meeting on December 23 but postponed it till 3 pm today.
“We met the deputy commissioner today. He asked for more time to discuss the issue with higher officials. Hence, we have decided to continue the strike,” he said.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had decided to install a ropeway to ease access to the temple for senior citizens, children and others who find it challenging to climb the 13-km route to the cave shrine.
The proposed Rs 250 crore project will connect the Tarakote road to Sanjhi Chhat, which leads to the cave temple in Reasi district.