More individuals join the hunger strike
Nishikant Khajuria
KATRA, Dec 27: The Katra Bandh against the proposed ropeway project has now entered its third day. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which is leading the protest, has announced a further 72-hour extension of the ongoing shutdown amidst continued impasse between the local administration and the protestors.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
With black flags raised throughout the town, businesses, including shops and restaurants, have remained closed for three consecutive days, and vehicle traffic has come to a halt in opposition to the proposed ropeway connecting Tarakote Marg with Sanji Chhat near the shrine. Today, additional participants joined the hunger strike in support of releasing detainees, even as one participant, named Shiva, was hospitalized due to a worsening condition.
Women and children have joined the six initial protestors who began their hunger strike on Wednesday night, insisting on the release of 18 members of the Samiti who were detained during a protest march against the project earlier that same day. “Our hunger strike will persist until the detained leaders and others are freed. If one of us becomes ill, another will take their place,” stated a protestor.
In the meantime, the ongoing shutdown will continue for an additional three days as no useful discussions have occurred between the administration and the protesting groups. A consensus to extend the shutdown was reached during a meeting of the Sangharsh Samiti, which represents various local stakeholders including shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, who have been at the forefront of the agitation.
Former Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, an active participant in the ongoing protests, informed reporters that a unanimous decision was made to extend the shutdown for three more days, criticizing the administration for creating an unnecessary crisis through its disinterest rather than engaging in dialogue with local stakeholders. “Our primary demand is the cancellation of the ropeway project, which jeopardizes the livelihoods of Katra’s residents, who mostly depend on the pilgrimage economy,” he affirmed, adding that they also seek the unlinked Expressway with Tarakote Marg and the release of all detained protestors.
Congress leader Jai Sidh Bhalla visited Katra to express solidarity with the protestors, while Arun Gupta, President of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced similar support for the Sangharsh Samiti and highlighted concerns regarding the administration’s approach to the situation. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of the National Conference, has also shown solidarity with Katra residents, emphasizing the necessity for the Shrine Board to ensure that no local livelihoods are adversely affected by the ropeway project.
Recently, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced its intention to proceed with a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat, following previous cancellations due to protests. The Shrine Board claims the project would aid access for senior citizens, children, and others who struggle with the climb to the shrine. However, the Sangharsh Samiti contends that the ropeway threatens the livelihoods of local residents and must be abandoned.
More individuals join the hunger strike
Nishikant Khajuria
KATRA, Dec 27: The Katra Bandh against the proposed ropeway project has now entered its third day. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which is leading the protest, has announced a further 72-hour extension of the ongoing shutdown amidst continued impasse between the local administration and the protestors.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
With black flags raised throughout the town, businesses, including shops and restaurants, have remained closed for three consecutive days, and vehicle traffic has come to a halt in opposition to the proposed ropeway connecting Tarakote Marg with Sanji Chhat near the shrine. Today, additional participants joined the hunger strike in support of releasing detainees, even as one participant, named Shiva, was hospitalized due to a worsening condition.
Women and children have joined the six initial protestors who began their hunger strike on Wednesday night, insisting on the release of 18 members of the Samiti who were detained during a protest march against the project earlier that same day. “Our hunger strike will persist until the detained leaders and others are freed. If one of us becomes ill, another will take their place,” stated a protestor.
In the meantime, the ongoing shutdown will continue for an additional three days as no useful discussions have occurred between the administration and the protesting groups. A consensus to extend the shutdown was reached during a meeting of the Sangharsh Samiti, which represents various local stakeholders including shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners, who have been at the forefront of the agitation.
Former Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, an active participant in the ongoing protests, informed reporters that a unanimous decision was made to extend the shutdown for three more days, criticizing the administration for creating an unnecessary crisis through its disinterest rather than engaging in dialogue with local stakeholders. “Our primary demand is the cancellation of the ropeway project, which jeopardizes the livelihoods of Katra’s residents, who mostly depend on the pilgrimage economy,” he affirmed, adding that they also seek the unlinked Expressway with Tarakote Marg and the release of all detained protestors.
Congress leader Jai Sidh Bhalla visited Katra to express solidarity with the protestors, while Arun Gupta, President of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced similar support for the Sangharsh Samiti and highlighted concerns regarding the administration’s approach to the situation. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of the National Conference, has also shown solidarity with Katra residents, emphasizing the necessity for the Shrine Board to ensure that no local livelihoods are adversely affected by the ropeway project.
Recently, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced its intention to proceed with a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat, following previous cancellations due to protests. The Shrine Board claims the project would aid access for senior citizens, children, and others who struggle with the climb to the shrine. However, the Sangharsh Samiti contends that the ropeway threatens the livelihoods of local residents and must be abandoned.
