Tension simmered in Katra town on Tuesday as hundreds of residents and activists took to the streets to protest against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project, demanding that the plan be permanently scrapped. The demonstrators warned of resuming their chain hunger strike if the administration failed to withdraw the proposal.
Led by local groups, the protest saw participation from members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, Yuva Rajput Sabha, and the Chamber of Commerce, among others. Protesters chanted slogans against the administration, accusing it of going back on its earlier commitment to consult locals before moving forward with the project.
“We were promised by the divisional commissioner ten months ago that no decision would be taken without consulting the people of Katra. But the administration has ignored that assurance, forcing us to return to the streets,” said one of the protestors.
Another local activist, Rajinder Singh, said the protests would continue until the ropeway project is completely shelved. “We will not stop until our voice is heard. The people of Katra and all local bodies are united in opposing this plan,” he added.
This is not the first time the project has triggered unrest in the region. In December last year, Katra witnessed a week-long shutdown and hunger strike organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti. The agitation led to the arrest of 18 protesters, who were later released on January 1.
Following those demonstrations, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had set up a committee to hold consultations with all stakeholders and find a resolution. However, locals now allege that the administration’s recent moves violate that understanding.
The proposed ropeway, intended to ease the pilgrimage route to the shrine, has been met with resistance from locals who fear it may disrupt traditional livelihoods, affect local businesses, and alter the sanctity of the revered site.
As protests intensify, authorities are yet to issue a fresh statement on the matter. Meanwhile, residents have vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until their demands are addressed.
