Katra: The anti-ropeway protests in Katra entered their fifth day, with no resolution in sight between the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Reasi administration, and the Sangharsh Samiti led by Beli Ram Rana.
The Sangharsh Samiti is demanding the cancellation of the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect the Katra base camp with Sanjhi Chhat near the shrine. They are also calling for the unconditional release of 18 youth detained during earlier protests.
Protest Intensifies Amid Stalemate
The agitation, which began on December 25, was extended by another 72 hours on Friday night. However, no representative from the administration has approached the protesters for dialogue, according to Sangharsh Samiti members.
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Political Leaders Join the Protest
Prominent political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, senior NC members, former BJP leaders, and Congress representatives, visited the Tarkote Marg area, the proposed site for the ropeway project. They later addressed protesters at Baba Shridhar Chowk and Shalimar Park.
In solidarity with the protesters, the local market remained shut, although some hotels and restaurants stayed open, causing discontent among youth on a hunger strike at Shridhar Chowk.
Assurance from Local Business Owners
Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, assured protesters that after December 31, no new bookings would be taken, and all hotels and restaurants would close to support the Sangharsh Samiti.
Posters Reflect Frustration
Posters calling Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma “missing” appeared in Katra, showcasing public frustration over the absence of their elected representative.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Address
During his address, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized that development must not threaten livelihoods.
“While development must be appreciated, it shouldn’t harm any individual’s livelihood,” he stated.
Choudhary warned that the ropeway project could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. He reassured locals of the NC leadership’s support, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and pledged to raise the issue with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Choudhary also called for the release of detained youth.
Support and Criticism from Local Leaders
Local MLA Baldev Raj Sharma supported the release of the detained youth but acknowledged resistance from some political leaders unless the ropeway project is cancelled. Despite this, he expressed continued support for the Sangharsh Samiti.
Former MoS and BJP leader Ajay Nanda criticized the administration for underestimating the resolve of the people of Jammu.
“The administration thought that bringing in a new Deputy Commissioner from outside would end this agitation, but they were wrong. When the Dogras unite, they achieve the impossible,” he said.
Participation from Opposition Leaders
Former Congress leader Jugal Kishore Sharma, who contested the Assembly polls from Katra as an independent, joined the protests, demanding the shelving of the ropeway project and release of the detainees.
Senior Congress leader Yogesh Sawhney and J&K Congress Sewa Dal Chief Vijay Sharma also expressed support for the demonstrators.
Pawan Khajuria, a former BJP leader, along with Parikshit Singh, DDC Jaganoo, addressed the protesters at Shridhar Chowk and Shalimar Chowk, where five youth are on an indefinite hunger strike.
