(MENAFN- Live Mint) Vaishno Devi ropeway: The 72-hour shutdown began in Katra on December 25 against the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project. The bandh was called by The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti including local business owners, including pony wallas, shopkeepers, and other proprietors and said that all activities in Katra would remain suspended during the protest.
Also Read | Maha Kumbh 2025: UP
Police test underwater drones for surveillance What is the project about?
Last month, The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had announced its plans to install the ropeway to facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find it challenging to trek the 13-km-long path to the cave shrine. The proposed ₹250-crore project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, which leads to the shrine.
Why are they protesting against the ropeway project?
The committee argued that the project threatened the livelihoods of local traders, laborers, and service providers who depend on the traditional pilgrimage route. The locals and workers have expressed concerns that the ropeway project would render them jobless.
Also Read | Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project: What will change and why are locals protesting? What happened on December 25?
Tensions flared in Katra as police used lathi-charge to disperse protestors opposing the ropeway project. Police also detained some of the protestors. The security forces conducted flag march to maintain law and order in Katra following protests against the proposed Ropeway Project to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
Pilgrims express frustration over the 72-hour shutdown
Pilgrims expressed frustration over the shutdown citing closure of eateries and the suspension of local transport, which caused significant inconvenience.
While speaking to reporters, a pilgrim said, "We are facing a lot of difficulties. Where will pilgrims eat or rest during this three-day bandh? This is not the right way to protest. We humbly request those leading the protests to call off the strike, as thousands of pilgrims are facing hardships," he added.
Also Read | Indra Giri Maharaj joins Mahakumbh with oxygen cylinder attached to body
Another pilgrim named Aruna from Meerut told PTI,“We have come here. There are problems here with the shops being closed.” She spoke on the ropeway project and said that the project would be benficial for elders and sick people.“Yes there should be facilities.”
(With inputs from agencie)
MENAFN26122024007365015876ID1109030726
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.