Protesters launch hunger strike for release of detainees
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 26: The ongoing 72-hour shutdown in Katra against the proposed ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, entered its second day on Thursday, with hunger strike by the protesters pressing for the release of those detained by Police the day before.
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The shutdown, being observed under the banner of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, witnessed widespread participation from all the local stakeholders, including pony owners, shopkeepers, traders, and locals, for the second consecutive day.
A large number of women joined the protest dharna today amidst raising of slogans against the Shrine Board and in support of the demand of shelving the proposed ropeway project besides release of the detained protesters. Protestors accused the Government of derailing dialogue and forcing them to take to the streets instead of resolving the issue through deliberation.
As all the business establishments in Katra town- the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, remained completely shut, pilgrims had to face significant challenges and hardships.
However, there was no untoward incident on second day of the 72-hour shutdown even as heavy deployment of Police was made in the town. On Wednesday, tension escalated when several protestors were detained by police during demonstrations.
Six of the protestors sat on a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members who were detained during the protest march against the ropeway project.
Today, a large number of local women and youth joined the demonstrators at Shalimar Park, demanding the release of detained protestors.
Even as the Shrine Board has made arrangements for the boarding and lodging of the pilgrims arriving in the town, the shutdown is causing huge inconvenience to the pilgrims.
According to Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board, special langars set up by the Shrine Board at the Katra Railway Station, Banganga and Tarakote are offering tea and milk to pilgrims, ensuring the yatra continues smoothly on both tracks.
However, pilgrims undertaking the journey to the cave shrine expressed displeasure over the shutdown of eateries and the lack of local transport, which caused significant inconvenience. They emphasised that eating points, local transport, and lodges should be kept out of the bandh.
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