If you are planning to go to Vaishno Devi to have darshan of Mata on the occasion of New Year, then be careful. This time you may have to face problems because protests and hunger strikes continue for the second day against the proposed ropeway project for Vaishno Devi in ​​Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.
Let us tell you that Katra is the base camp for the devotees traveling to Vaishno Devi. The protesters have now started a hunger strike demanding the release of their comrades arrested by the police on Wednesday.
Protestors called for a 72-hour strike
According to the news agency report, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti has called for a 72-hour strike against the proposed ropeway project, which started from Wednesday. The committee has announced that all activities in Katra will remain suspended during the bandh. The committee spokesperson said, ‘The bandh will continue until the government cancels the ropeway project. This project is an attack on the livelihood of the residents of Katra, who are mainly dependent on the travel economy of devotees.
Why oppose the ropeway project?
In fact, last month the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had approved the ropeway project, which aims to provide convenience to senior citizens, children and those who are unable to climb the 13 kilometer long track. However, the committee opposing it has claimed that the project will destroy the livelihood of local traders, mule operators and palanquin drivers. For this reason the protesters have demanded the cancellation of this project.
Life affected in Katra
For the second consecutive day on Thursday, all shops, restaurants and business establishments in Katra remained closed and the roads remained deserted. The bandh has severely affected normal life in Katra.
Six protesters began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 committee members arrested during the protest. A member of the committee said, ‘Instead of talking to us, the administration is using force and arresting our leaders during peaceful protests.’
Shrine Board made arrangements
Due to the difficulties being faced by the pilgrims due to the bandh, the Shrine Board has made arrangements for accommodation and food for the pilgrims. Board CEO Anshul Garg said that special langars have been installed for passengers at Katra railway station, Banganga and Tarakote route. However, the devotees who came on the yatra are angry due to the bandh. They say that their travel is being affected by the unavailability of eateries and local transport.
A devotee said, ‘We want the protesters to end the bandh as it is hampering our journey.’ Let us tell you that due to this, people going to Vaishno Devi on New Year may also have to face problems.