Opposition to the Maa Vaishno Devi ropeway project is growing. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangaram Samiti, leading the protest, has announced a total shutdown in the city on December 18. Hotels, guest houses, buses, taxis, and autos will be closed on that day.
On Sunday morning, demonstrators held a march through Katra's main market, chanting slogans against the temple board's decision to establish the ropeway.The rally commenced at Shalimar Park and concluded at the bus stand. The rally participants also called for the release of individuals detained in relation to the FIR filed following last month's clashes between police and anti-ropeway demonstrators.
In November, shopkeepers, laborers, and those working with ponies and palanquins on the tracks held large-scale protests for four days.
Ex-minister Jugar Kishore Sharma stated that the project has been poorly designed. He compared it to causing unemployment among stakeholders and tampering with religious sentiments.
We have consistently explained this to the committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner, which was formed by the Governor. Kishore mentioned that the demonstrators were not opposing the temple board, but the ropeway project.
The ex-minister mentioned that the project would impact the pilgrimage and further deteriorate the city's economic situation.The committee has chosen to restart the protest that was delayed last month based on the district administration's assurance. We were guaranteed a resolution by December 15, but no action was taken.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti Chairman Wali Ram Rana, along with members Karan Singh, Pratap Singh, Sonu Thakur, and labor leaders Bhupendra Singh and Sohan Singh, stated that the history of Ban Ganga Charan Paduka and Ardhkunwari temple will be preserved. On this occasion, attendees included Omkar Singh, Barun Magotra, Abhishek Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Mohal Singh, Kamlesh Kumar, Deepak Kumar, and Ram Prakash Suri, among others.
REASON
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has resolved to proceed with the Rs 250 crore passenger ropeway project along the 12-km Tarakote route connecting Sanjhi Chhat and Tarakote. Store owners on the pilgrimage path, along with local residents, porters, and palanquin bearers, have been resisting the project. They are actually concerned about losing their means of income.