Protest in IIOJK Against Vaishno Devi Ropeway Reaches Day 7

The ongoing shutdown in Katra against the Vaishno Devi ropeway project intensifies, crippling the town and sparking a hunger strike demanding the release of detained leaders.

The ongoing shutdown in Katra, a town in Reasi district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), entered its seventh day today, bringing daily life to a standstill. Shops have been closed, and transportation services are suspended, severely affecting the flow of pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine. The protest, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, has brought the town’s economy and its social fabric to a halt.

The core of the protest revolves around the controversial Vaishno Devi ropeway project, which local activists argue threatens the traditional pilgrimage route. The project’s proposed construction has sparked fears that it will alter the essence of the shrine’s sacred journey and negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on the current pilgrimage tourism model. Local residents and businesses are demanding that the project be scrapped immediately.

In addition to the ropeway issue, the protest has intensified due to the detention of 18 members of the Samiti, including key leaders like Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand. In a dramatic move, five youths from the Samiti have gone on a hunger strike, demanding the release of the detained activists. The hunger strike has drawn attention to the harsh measures being taken by the authorities to suppress dissent.

The protests are now being led by Shivani Jamwal, the wife of Bhupinder Singh. She has made it clear that the Samiti will intensify their agitation if their demands are not met, including the immediate release of the detainees and the shelving of the ropeway project. The Samiti has warned that they will escalate their protests further if the government continues to ignore their concerns.

The local community is rallying behind the protest, emphasizing the deep economic and cultural ties that the town has to the pilgrimage. The Samiti argues that the ropeway project undermines not only the traditional pilgrimage route but also threatens the livelihood of local shopkeepers, transport workers, and other businesses that rely on the steady flow of pilgrims. The disruption to daily life in Katra continues to highlight the growing divide between the authorities and the local population.

As the protest drags on, the authorities are being urged to intervene and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The protesters are seeking a dialogue with the government to address their concerns and prevent further escalation. With tensions rising, it remains to be seen whether the government will take steps to address the issue or whether the protests will continue to intensify.