Katra/Jammu, Dec 27: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced an additional 72-hour bandh on Friday night to advocate for their demands, which include halting the proposed ropeway project and releasing detained protesters in Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi temple.
Katra experienced a complete shutdown for the third consecutive day on Friday as part of the protest against the planned ropeway project in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Numerous women and children participated in the dharna, while youths persisted in their hunger strike for a third day, calling for the release of several individuals arrested by police during previous protests in the holy town.
“The samiti decided to prolong the bandh by another 72 hours. Their main demands include scrapping the ropeway project in the Trikuta hills and the immediate release of the detained protesters,” former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma informed the media.
He added, “All parties involved, whether political or part of the samiti, are united in this movement. Representatives from various parties are here, demonstrating solidarity in their opposition to the ropeway project.”
Sharma emphasized that the agitation would gain more momentum in the upcoming days.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which initiated the shutdown on Wednesday, declared that all activities in Katra would cease during this period.
Black flags were displayed throughout the town, and shops, restaurants, and other businesses remained closed for the third day, resulting in a halt to vehicular traffic.
The ongoing 72-hour bandh, which started on Wednesday, has significantly impacted daily life in one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations, which sees thousands of devotees daily seeking blessings at the cave shrine.
“This bandh is our peaceful protest against the ropeway project. The committee will soon determine the next steps,” stated a spokesperson for the samiti.
Criticizing the administration for its lack of responsiveness, the spokesperson lamented, “The administration has shown indifference to the struggles of the peaceful protesters, including women and children. Our sole demand is to cancel the project as it endangers the livelihoods of Katra residents who largely depend on the pilgrimage economy.”
They further alleged that instead of engaging in dialogue, the administration opted for force, including detaining samiti leaders during peaceful protests.
One youth involved in the hunger strike, Shiva, had to be hospitalized due to a deterioration in his health.
Six youths began their hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti who were detained during a protest march against the ropeway project.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board revealed plans to construct a Rs 250-crore ropeway to enhance accessibility to the temple, especially for senior citizens, children, and others who cannot undertake the 13-km trek to the cave shrine.
To alleviate the consequences of the bandh, the shrine board has made arrangements for accommodations for pilgrims. Special langars at the Katra railway station, Banganga, and Tarakote are providing tea and milk to ensure a smooth yatra on both routes for the third consecutive day.
Nevertheless, many pilgrims voiced their discontent over the closures of eateries and the lack of local transportation.
