Jammu Kashmir: Protesting against Vaishno Devi ropeway project, Katra declares strike.
Hundreds of people protested in Katra on Sunday against the proposed ropeway project to the Matavashno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reshi district. The rally started at Shalimar Park and ended at the bus station. The protesters chanted slogans against the shrine council and the ropeway project and later clashed with the police. Former minister Jujjar Kishore Sharma also attended the rally and spoke in support of the protesters.
The movement against the ropeway project is led by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, who are protesting over concerns that the project will affect the livelihood of local shopkeepers, labourers, pony owners and palanquin workers. Under the project, the shrine board decided to launch a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project with a length of 12 km from Tarakot Marg to Sanjhi Chhat.
employment will decrease
In this regard, local people believe that this project may jeopardize their employment, because the operation of the ropeway may end their employment prospects. When the project was announced last month, there were massive protests in Kadra that lasted four days. Shopkeepers, workers and other affected communities have raised objections to the project and expressed concern that their livelihoods would be harmed by the ropeway.
Also clashed with the police
During these protests, clashes with the police took place and FIRs were registered against many people. Protesters are now demanding the release of those arrested, intensifying the movement further. A leader of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti said the committee had declared a general strike in Katra on December 18.
Former minister Jugal Kishore also spoke out
Vaishno Devi Trek Mazdoor Union president said five members of the committee will also go on hunger strike during this strike. They also expressed hope for a written guarantee from the lieutenant governor or the interior minister that the ropeway project would be canceled and their livelihoods would be saved. Former minister Jugal Kishore Sharma also clarified that the protesters were not against the temple board but against the ropeway project.
