“Katra Protests: Town Shuts Down Over Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project

Katra, the main base for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, has been closed for five days straight. People are protesting against a new ropeway project planned in the Trikuta hills. BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma has threatened to start a hunger strike if the police don’t release those who were detained during earlier protests. Currently, five men are on a hunger strike, demanding the release of 18 protesters taken by police. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which organized the protest, has declared a complete shutdown in Katra. This means that all shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed, and there are no vehicles on the roads due to the protest. The shutdown began on Wednesday and has greatly affected daily life in Katra, where thousands come to visit the sacred cave shrine. Sharma joined the protest, encouraging people to stay united. He emphasized the need for the administration to release the detained protesters, adding that BJP leaders have brought this matter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s attention. The Sangharsh Samiti first called for the shutdown on December 25, and extended it because they want the ropeway project to be canceled and for the detained people to be freed. The ropeway, costing around Rs 250 crore, is designed to help older adults and children easily reach the cave shrine.