Reasi/Jammu, Dec 28: The protest against the proposed ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district has now reached its fourth day on Saturday, with demonstrators maintaining a hunger strike calling for the release of numerous individuals detained by police in Katra.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) has expressed its solidarity with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, urging the administration to address the situation through dialogue.
Earlier this week, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced a complete shutdown of all commercial activities in the region.
On Friday night, the Samiti decided to extend the bandh by an additional 72 hours.
Since Wednesday, all shops, restaurants, and businesses have been closed, leading to significant disruptions in daily life in one of the nation’s busiest towns, which sees thousands of pilgrims daily visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine.
“We have prolonged the strike last night, which will continue for the next 72 hours until the government cancels the ropeway project,” stated a spokesperson for the Samiti.
Five individuals are currently engaged in a hunger strike demanding the release of 18 Samiti members who were detained during a march protesting against the ropeway plan.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described the decision to build the ropeway as a “wrong decision” and called on the Lieutenant Governor to engage with the protestors to find a resolution.
“If the people of Katra oppose a ropeway that threatens the livelihoods of 40,000 residents, the Shrine Board and LG Sahib should heed their concerns and address the issue,” he remarked.
JCCI President Arun Gupta, who recently met with the demonstrators in Katra, emphasized that development projects should not come at the expense of local communities.
“It is imperative to hold discussions with the protesting individuals in Katra to amicably resolve the matter,” Gupta asserted.
The 18 detained individuals include two leaders from the Samiti — Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand.
The conflict began last month following the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s announcement of plans to construct a ropeway aimed at making access to the temple easier for senior citizens, children, and others who find the 13 km hike to the cave shrine challenging.
This proposed Rs 250 crore ropeway project is designed to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading directly to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
In response to the ongoing bandh, the Shrine Board has implemented special measures to accommodate the lodging and boarding of pilgrims arriving in the town.
Special langars organized by the Shrine Board at Katra Railway Station, Banganga, and Tarakote are providing tea and milk to pilgrims, ensuring that the yatra continues smoothly across both routes.
