The ongoing shutdown in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project has entered its third day, with growing participation in hunger strikes and widespread protests. The shutdown, initiated by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, has brought the town to a standstill as business establishments and transportation services remain suspended.
Rising Support for Hunger Strike
The hunger strike, which began with six protesters on Wednesday night, has expanded as more people, including women and children, have joined the cause. The protesters are demanding the release of 18 members of the Samiti, who were detained during an earlier protest march against the ropeway project. The growing hunger strike has now become a central feature of the ongoing protest.
Ropeway Project
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans for a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project, intended to run from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, covering a 12-kilometre stretch. The project is designed to provide easier access to the Vaishno Devi temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find it difficult to climb the traditional route. However, the Samiti, which represents local business owners, such as shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, opposes the project. They argue that the ropeway would harm the livelihoods of local residents and disrupt the pilgrimage economy that sustains the town.
Local Businesses and Daily Life Affected
The bandh has caused significant disruption in Katra, one of India’s busiest pilgrimage towns. Shops, restaurants, and other businesses have remained closed for three days, and vehicular movement has come to a halt. The shutdown is causing considerable inconvenience to thousands of pilgrims who visit the town daily to seek blessings at the Vaishno Devi shrine.
A spokesperson for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti criticized the administration’s response, accusing them of being indifferent to the people’s concerns and resorting to forceful measures, including detaining Samiti leaders during a peaceful protest. “Our simple demand is to shelve the project, as it threatens the livelihood of Katra residents, most of whom rely on the pilgrimage economy,” the spokesperson said.
Health Concerns and Continued Protests
The hunger strike has led to serious health concerns, with one protester, Shiva, being hospitalized after his condition worsened. Despite this, the protesters have vowed to continue their strike until the detained Samiti leaders are released. “If someone falls ill, another person will replace them,” one of the hunger strikers said, underscoring the determination of the protesters.
Political Support and Calls for Resolution
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front (DFSS) in Jammu has extended its support to the protesters, while also expressing concern for the pilgrims affected by the bandh. DFSS President Ashok Gupta suggested creating two ropeways instead of one and called for better facilities for pilgrims during the yatra. He also emphasized the importance of the pilgrimage in supporting Katra’s economy, adding that the ongoing shutdown was causing unnecessary hardship to both locals and devotees.
“We stand with the pilgrims and support better facilities. If needed, create two ropeways instead of one,” Gupta said. “For the past three days, pilgrims have faced immense difficulties. If the authorities fail to address this, we will use our vehicles to ferry pilgrims to the temple and provide them with food.”
Pilgrim Welfare Amid the Shutdown
Despite the protests, the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken steps to ensure that pilgrims are cared for during the shutdown. Special langars providing tea and milk have been set up at key points such as the Katra railway station, Banganga, and Tarakote to support the ongoing yatra and mitigate the impact of the bandh.
In addition, boarding and lodging facilities have been arranged for pilgrims arriving in Katra. These efforts aim to minimize the inconvenience caused by the shutdown and ensure that the pilgrimage continues smoothly.
As the shutdown continues and tensions rise, the future of the ropeway project remains uncertain. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti is adamant in its opposition to the project, and it remains to be seen whether the administration will engage in dialogue with the protesters or continue its forceful response.
The situation highlights the complex balance between modernizing infrastructure to support increased pilgrimage and safeguarding the livelihoods of the local population. The outcome of this protest may set a precedent for similar future conflicts in other pilgrimage towns across India.
(With agency inputs)