Srinagar, Dec 26: Katra town remained under a complete shutdown for the second consecutive day on Thursday as protesters continued their hunger strike, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members detained by the police.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which called for a 72-hour shutdown starting Wednesday, announced that all activities in Katra would remain suspended during the bandh.
Karan Singh, spokesperson for the Sangharsh Samiti, told Rising Kashmir that the shutdown would persist until the government abandons the controversial ropeway project, which, according to the group, threatens the livelihoods of Katra’s residents who depend on the pilgrimage economy.
“It is unfortunate that the government is ignoring the sentiments of the people. This issue affects both our livelihoods and the faith of the people of Katra,” Singh stated.
On Thursday, Katra saw a near-total shutdown, with shops, restaurants, and business establishments remaining closed and traffic absent from the streets. The bandh has significantly disrupted daily life in the holy town.
A member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti criticised the administration for using force instead of engaging in dialogue. “Instead of addressing our concerns, the administration is detaining our leaders during peaceful protests. This is only escalating the situation,” he said.
Six protesters began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the immediate release of the 18 detained Samiti members. One of the protesters emphasised, “We demand their release. Peaceful demonstrators should not be detained. Our hunger strike will continue until those detained are freed.”
Among those detained in Wednesday’s protest march against the proposed ropeway project were two prominent leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti, Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand.
Protests also erupted in Udhampur, with participants criticizing the Shrine Board and the government for failing to address the demands of Katra’s residents. The protesters also called for the release of the detained members.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, remains the focal point of the ongoing agitation.
Despite the disruption caused by the shutdown, the Shrine Board has made arrangements to assist pilgrims arriving in Katra. Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board, posted on X that more than 93 lakh pilgrims had visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine this year. “Special langars set up by the Shrine Board at Katra Railway Station, Banganga, and Tarakote are offering tea and milk to pilgrims as the yatra continues smoothly through both tracks,” he said.
However, pilgrims have faced significant difficulties due to the shutdown. Rakesh Mehra, a pilgrim from Delhi, expressed frustration: “I came here with great devotion to seek blessings at Vaishno Devi, but the situation is overwhelming. With eateries closed and no transport available, we are struggling to meet even basic needs. This is not what we expected from a holy pilgrimage.”
Another pilgrim, Anjali Sharma from Jaipur, said, “The shutdown has left us stranded. We have been walking for hours without finding food or water. It feels like the government and protesters have forgotten the hardships faced by pilgrims like us.”
Sharma, who had brought her elderly parents for the darshan, added, “The lack of transport and facilities has made our journey extremely challenging. We hope the authorities and protesters find a solution soon.”
