Protests erupt in Jammu & Kashmir against proposed shrine ropeway project News
Abhishek Chandra, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Protests erupt in Jammu & Kashmir against proposed shrine ropeway project

Protests erupted in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, on Thursday, with local stakeholders demonstrating against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project, amidst a 72-hour shutdown called to express opposition to the ₹250 crore ($29.3M USD) project, which aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanjichhat, facilitating a quicker journey for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine.

The protest, organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, included shopkeepers, pony wallas (mountain trek uides), and local transport workers who argued that the ropeway would significantly impact their livelihoods. They contend that the project will divert pilgrims from traditional routes, threatening the income of approximately 60,000 families reliant on tourism and pilgrimage-related services. Local leaders have voiced concerns that decisions regarding the project were made without adequate consultation with affected communities.

Tensions escalated when police used lathi charges to disperse protesters, leading to several detentions. The police action was part of efforts to maintain order during the general strike, which resulted in many businesses shutting down and daily life in Katra coming to a halt. The protests have also drawn attention from political figures, with former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressing solidarity with demonstrators and criticizing the government’s approach.

The Vaishno Devi ropeway project was approved by the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to enhance accessibility for elderly and disabled pilgrims, reducing travel time from Katra to Sanjichhat to just six minutes. However, local opposition has been strong, with many fearing it will undermine their economic stability by bypassing traditional pilgrimage routes.

The background of this issue reveals a long-standing tension between development initiatives aimed at improving tourist infrastructure and the preservation of local livelihoods. The ropeway project is seen by many as part of a broader trend of prioritizing tourism over community well-being in Jammu & Kashmir. As protests continue, they highlight the ongoing struggle for local rights and the need for inclusive decision-making processes that consider the impacts on all stakeholders involved.

The situation remains fluid as negotiations between protest leaders and government officials are anticipated. The outcome of these discussions could determine not only the future of the ropeway project but also the relationship between local communities and authorities in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Vaishno Devi Shrine, located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Attracting millions of devotees annually, the shrine features three natural rock formations representing the goddess.

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