Jammu: Widespread protests broke out in Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday as hundreds of residents took to the streets demanding the cancellation of the proposed ₹250-crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project. Demonstrators warned of resuming an indefinite chain hunger strike if the plan was not withdrawn.
The ropeway, proposed to link Tarakote Marg with Sanji Chhat along the steep 12-kilometre pilgrimage route to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi, has sparked sharp opposition from locals. They argue that the project will adversely affect the livelihoods of more than 60,000 families dependent on the pilgrimage economy, including hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony operators, and labourers.
Carrying pictures of Mata Vaishno Devi and banners reading “No to Ropeway,” protesters staged a dharna in Katra’s main market. “We are holding a protest against the ropeway project. We will not allow it here,” said protestor Sahil Singh, adding that the agitation will continue until the project is scrapped.
Protesters also accused the administration of backtracking on its earlier promise. “Ten months ago, the divisional commissioner assured us that no final decision would be taken without consulting locals. But the administration has gone back on its word,” another protester said, warning that more people would join the hunger strike if the government failed to respond.
The ongoing agitation follows a similar week-long bandh in December last year, during which the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti led a chain hunger strike demanding the project’s cancellation. Eighteen protesters were detained during that agitation and released on January 1.
Following the unrest, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had appointed a committee to hold consultations with stakeholders and address concerns. However, locals claim no meaningful dialogue has taken place since then.
The protesters have vowed to continue their movement until the Shrine Board and the administration formally announce the shelving of the ropeway project.
