*Optimistic about a resolution soon: SDM Katra
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 30: The protest against the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project in Katra town has now been prolonged for an additional two days as the leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti did not receive any written commitment from either the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board or the Reasi administration to halt the project.
The protest, initiated on December 25, was first extended for a 72-hour period on Friday night.
“I, along with a few other leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti, was contacted by the district administration today to meet with the incarcerated leaders, including Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, in an effort to explore options,” explained Bali Ram Rana, the chairman of the Sangharsh Samiti, which is leading the demonstration.
“Thus, we convened with them in Reasi and Udhampur jails, where we discussed our primary demand with the administration which includes halting the ropeway initiative. Unfortunately, the administration did not give any assurance regarding the cancellation of the project,” he added.
Consequently, Rana stated that the Sangharsh Samiti had no choice but to continue the shutdown for two more days.
“If our requests are not addressed, this may turn out to be the longest protest in history,” Rana cautioned.
SDM Katra Piyush Dhotra, however, remains hopeful that the ongoing deadlock will be resolved shortly.
He stated, “We are making efforts on various fronts to engage with the protesters, and we are optimistic that a resolution will be achieved soon.”
Dhotra continued, noting that in addition to facilitating meaningful discussions with the protestors, all necessary arrangements are being made for them, especially at the Fountain (Phawara) Chowk, where some youth on an indefinite hunger strike have seen their health decline significantly in recent days.
Meanwhile, Shivani Jamwal, wife of jailed Samiti leader Bhupinder Singh, issued a threat of “self-immolation” if her husband and the other Samiti leaders are not released from custody soon.
She mentioned that several of them have experienced substantial weight loss while imprisoned.
“I will self-immolate if my husband and the others are not freed by this evening,” she declared.
Jamwal appealed to LG Manoj Sinha for intervention, adding that some detainees are in critical health situations, necessitating immediate release by the Government.
While protests at Shridhar Chowk are ongoing, health concerns arose for one of the five youths on hunger strike, necessitating his transfer to the CHC Katra. Various leaders addressed crowds at Shalimar Park, the location designated by the administration for the protestors.
Individuals taking part in a procession from Shalimar Chowk were also cautioned for proceeding without the proper permissions from authorities.
In Jammu, Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Manish Sahni, conducted a press conference expressing concern about the challenges faced by pilgrims in Katra due to the current disputes and strikes related to the ropeway project.
Sahni emphasized that the ropeway on the Tarkote route would undermine the pilgrimage’s mythological significance as pilgrims would be unable to visit all significant points along the route.
He urged the Shrine Board and LG Manoj Sinha to step in and resolve the ongoing conflict by arriving at a solution.
Sahni also stated that he had requested a meeting with LG Sinha soon to discuss the significance of the pilgrimage.
