KATRA, Dec 25: Protests once again erupted in Katra town as 72 –hour shut down against the proposed ropeway project from Tarakote Marg to Sanjhi Chhat began today amidst clashes with Police and detention of several protesters.
Demonstration by local stakeholders and supports of the bandh, turned aggressive when police used force to disperse the agitators, resulting in clashes and detentions of several protesters. Police claimed that the agitators did not have the permission to take out protest march.Call for the three-day shutdown has been given by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti against the proposed ropeway from Tarakote to Sanjhi Chhat.
Supported by all the local stakeholders, including pony owners, shopkeepers and transport operators, the shutdown left the town eerily quiet. All business establishments remained shut and roads wore deserted look, leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded without access to essential services.The Sangharsh Samiti leader Bhupinder Singh spearheaded a protest march, accusing the Government and Shrine Board of ignoring public concerns. “The ropeway project threatens the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the traditional pilgrimage routes. Instead of engaging in talks, the administration is resorting to force, which is unfortunate,” he said.
The situation escalated when the police stopped the march and used mild lathi charge to disperse protesters, It led to clashes and consequent detention of several protesters, including leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti.
According to the official sources, 17 demonstrators were detained and six of them have initiated a hunger strike while in custody.
BJP leader and former Minister Ajay Nanda, BJP leader and Ex Chairman of Municipal Committee Katra, Shashi Gupta, DDC Member Katra Nirmala Devi, and DDC Panthal Rajinder Mengi, joined the agitation at Shalimar Park to express solidarity with the protesters.
Nanda criticized the project, stating: “Development should create jobs, not destroy them. By bypassing the traditional pilgrimage route, this ropeway project also undermines the essence of the yatra besides rendering local people jobless.”
Former Minister Jugal Kishore Sharma, who also joined the protest, condemned the administration for using force against peaceful protesters. “Dialogue is the need of the hour, but the administration’s actions are worsening the situation,” he said.
With eateries and local transport services completely halted, the shutdown paralyzed the normal life and caused immense hardships for pilgrims. “We are stranded without food or rest. This is an ordeal for us during such an auspicious journey,” said a pilgrim from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Claiming that the proposed ropeway would destroy their livelihood, the protesting local business owners and other stakeholders are demanding that the project be scrapped. Earlier also, similar shutdowns were observed in support of the demand.
