Protest against Katra Ropeway Project continues for 5th Day

Protest against Katra Ropeway Project continues for 5th Day

The protest against the Katra Ropeway Project enters into its fifth day, with the entry of BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma in the protest, protesting for the release of the detainees.

Due to the protest, the markets, shops, restaurants, and vehicular movement, everything had been affected. 

Police have detained nearly 18 people, which include the two prominent leaders of Sangarsh Samiti. After which, nearly five people sat on dharna for the immediate release of the detainees.

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Today, Bhartiya Janta Party leader (MLA) Baldev Raj Sharma joined the protest and has given a timeframe of 24 hours to the administration to release the arrested persons, or the hunger strike will be called. He further added that the matter has been taken up with the union home minister and other leaders in New Delhi.

What the Issue?

Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, last month, had announced their plan to install a ropeway project to facilitate the senior citizens, children, and others, so that they can easily move the 13-km track to the cave shrine. 

This project is proposed to be having a cost of Rs 250 crore, which will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanju Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.

Over this, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Sangarsh Samithi called a shutdown on Wednesday, calling this project as devastating as this would affect their livelihoods. 

The police have detained 18 people so far, which include two prominent leaders of Sangarsh Samiti. But the protest continues; five people are on hunger strike now, demanding the immediate release of the detained protestors. 

The bandh has affected and disrupted the normal life in the busy town of Katra, and pilgrims have also called for an immediate resolution of the issue.