The shutdown against the proposed ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district entered its fourth day on Saturday after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti extended the strike for another 72 hours on Friday night.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) has declared its support for the Sangharsh Samiti, urging the administration to engage in dialogue to resolve the issue. Alongside the shutdown, a hunger strike is being observed by a group of protesters demanding the release of 18 Samiti members detained during a protest march against the project.
“We extended the strike last night. It will continue for the next 72 hours until the government shelves the ropeway project,” stated the Samiti spokesperson.
On Saturday, JCCI President Arun Gupta visited the protesters in Katra and emphasized that development projects should not proceed at the expense of local livelihoods. He called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) had announced last month its plans to launch the ₹250-crore ropeway project, connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. However, local business owners fear the project will divert pilgrim traffic away from their establishments, threatening their livelihoods.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed the decision to build the ropeway a “wrong move” and appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to engage with the protesters. “If the people of Katra do not want a ropeway, which will take away the livelihood of 40,000 people, the Shrine Board and L-G Sahib should listen to them and address their concerns,” he said.
Katra has been at a standstill since Wednesday, with all shops, restaurants, and businesses shuttered. The bandh has disrupted daily life in the busy pilgrimage town, where thousands of visitors arrive each day to pray at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Adding to the growing support for the protesters, the Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) condemned the administration’s actions, particularly the arrest of peaceful demonstrators advocating for their legitimate demands.
Meanwhile, the Shrine Board has made special arrangements for pilgrims, including providing accommodation and free food through langars at Katra Railway Station, Banganga, and Tarakote. These efforts aim to ease the inconvenience faced by pilgrims during the ongoing shutdown.
With inputs from PTI