A weeklong bandh in Katra, opposing the proposed ropeway project to the Vaishno Devi shrine, came to an end on Tuesday evening following successful discussions between the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti and the local administration.
Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, held a meeting with representatives of the Sangharsh Samiti to address concerns regarding the controversial ropeway project. As part of the resolution, the administration agreed to release all 18 individuals who were detained during the protests on December 25.
In return, the Sangharsh Samiti announced that the market would reopen on Wednesday. Speaking to the media, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar stated, “The successful meeting has led to the decision to call off the Katra bandh. All detained protesters will be released immediately.”
The protests, which began last week, resulted in a complete shutdown of shops, restaurants, and businesses across Katra, one of India’s busiest towns visited by thousands of pilgrims each day. The protests significantly impacted local life and led to a decrease in daily visitors to the famous cave shrine.
The proposed Rs 250-crore Vaishno Devi ropeway project, announced last month by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, making access to the shrine easier for senior citizens, children, and others who find it challenging to climb the 13-kilometer trek.
However, the Sangharsh Samiti opposes the project, claiming it would affect the livelihoods of residents and disrupt the sanctity of the traditional pilgrimage route.
