Several people were detained by police during a protest in Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, as demands to shelve the proposed ropeway project intensified with the town observing a 72-hour shutdown from Wednesday. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti called for the bandh and said all activities in Katra would remain suspended during the protest.
Scores of people led by Samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand took out a protest march, raising slogans against the Shrine Board and the administration, accusing them of adopting stubborn attitudes. When police personnel stopped the protesters from advancing, clashes broke out between the two sides. Several protesters, including Singh and Chand, were detained by the police and taken away from the protest site, officials said.
Singh alleged, “We are demanding the shelving of this project to save the jobs of thousands of people. Instead of holding talks with us, as promised by the administration, they are using police to detain us. This is unfortunate.” Former minister Jugal Kishore criticized the “use of force” against the protesters. “We strongly condemn the administration’s move to use force against peaceful demonstrators. Their actions are aimed at disturbing the situation in Katra, which is unacceptable,” Kishore told reporters. He accused the administration of avoiding dialogue: “instead of holding discussions, they are aggravATING the situation.”
The shutdown led to the complete closure of business establishments and the halting of traffic within the holy town. “A 72-hour shutdown by pony owners, shopkeepers, and other local stakeholders began on Wednesday to protest the proposed ropeway project,” said a Samiti spokesperson. He added the administration had initially scheduled a meeting for December 23 but postponed it to 3 PM today. “We met the Deputy Commissioner today, who requested more time to consult higher authorities. Therefore, we have decided to continue with the strike,” he said.
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to install the ropeway intended to facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens and children, easing the 13-km trek to the cave shrine. The proposed Rs 250-crore project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, directly leading to the shrine.
Meanwhile, pilgrims expressed frustration over the shutdown, citing the closure of eateries and the suspension of local transport, which caused significant inconvenience. “We are facing difficulties. Where will pilgrims eat or rest during this three-day bandh? This is not the right way to protest,” said one pilgrim. “We humbly request those leading the protests to call off the strike, as thousands of pilgrims are facing hardships.”
Adding to the security discourse, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held review meetings to finalize arrangements for the expected influx of devotees during the New Year 2025 celebrations. The meeting, convened under the chairman of the SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), was presided over by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, who emphasized necessary Yatra management arrangements.
CEO Garg instructed authorities on implementing stringent security measures using RFID card regulations and crowd management strategies to ease congestion, particularly at the Bhawan area. “A multi-tier security grid comprising the Police and paramilitary forces will be implemented to guarantee the safety of pilgrims,” he added, underlining the importance of synergy among all stakeholders and disaster preparedness measures.
More than 700 CCTV cameras will provide all-time surveillance to create a safe environment for devotees. Additional handheld scanners will be deployed for proper security checks to avoid lapses, along with plans for regular public announcements to help maintain smooth flow among pilgrims.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently praised the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for its commendable efforts in tackling Naxalism and restoring peace and stability within Jammu and Kashmir. This statement was made during his visit to the CRPF headquarters, where he also reviewed operations and administrative efficiency of the force.
“The CRPF has done a commendable job ... restoring peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated, highlighting the government's recognition of their commitment to national security and the multifaceted contributions to nation-building. The importance of promoting Hindi within the force was also emphasized by Shah, reflecting the overarching drive for unity.
The developments surrounding the protests against the ropeway project, juxtaposed with the government's focus on ensuring safety and security during the anticipated pilgrimage season, showcase the complex interplay of local demands and administrative strategies for future infrastructural prospects for Jammu and Kashmir. With both the protesters' concerns and the administration's objectives at play, finding common ground remains pivotal for the region’s growth and stability.
