Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Nov 23: Ongoing 72-hour strike by local stakeholders against the proposed ropeway project to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is causing significant challenges for thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine.
The strike, initiated by track shopkeepers, pony and palanquin owners since Friday, continued for the second day on Saturday, disrupting services along the 12-kilometre track to the shrine atop the Trikuta hills.
The protest is in response to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s decision to revive a long-stalled Rs 250 crore ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat. Local stakeholders fear the project will impact their livelihoods, with many relying on assisting pilgrims for their income.
While shops and businesses in Katra town, the base camp for the pilgrimage, remained open, those along the track route from Ban Ganga to Charan Paduka observed complete shutdown in solidarity with the protesters. Pony and palanquin services also came to a halt, leaving many pilgrims to face difficulties on their journey.
Protesters assembled at Shalimar Park in Katra town and staged a peaceful sit-in, raising slogans against the Shrine Board. Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, a senior Congress leader, addressed the gathering, urging the Government to provide a rehabilitation plan for those affected by the project.
“We have been opposing this project for years. The Government gave us assurances in the past, but they have now moved forward with the plan, disregarding our concerns,” said Prabhat Singh, a leader of the Shopkeepers’ Association. He warned that the strike would continue if their demands were not met.
The Shrine Board had purportedly announced last week that the ropeway project would be completed within two years, aiming to provide a safer and faster alternative for pilgrims. However, stakeholders argue that the project will harm the region’s economy, which heavily relies on pilgrimage-related activities.
With the strike set to conclude on Sunday, protesters have vowed to intensify their agitation if their demands are not addressed.
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