Srinagar, Dec 15: Various stakeholders in Katra, including trade unions, labour leaders, hoteliers, and associations under the banner of ‘Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti Katra,’ have called for a strike on December 18, demanding the cancellation of the proposed ropeway project. They have warned that they will escalate their protest to a mass strike if their demands are not addressed, adding that further actions will be decided on the same day.
Sohand Chand, Senior Union Leader and President of the Palki Association, told Rising Kashmir that during a meeting attended by all stakeholders in Katra, it was unanimously decided to go ahead with the strike, as the government has been unresponsive to their concerns.
“On November 30, we issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government to halt this ropeway project, but our pleas have been ignored. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Reasi visited us recently but reiterated the same stance, and he appeared clueless about the matter,” Chand said.
Chand emphasized that the proposed ropeway project would negatively impact the livelihoods of hundreds of labourers, workers, and hoteliers in Katra, adding, “If this project is implemented, Katra will be reduced to a mere picnic spot like Gulmarg. We will not allow the government to proceed with this plan.”
Sonu Thakur, another local, expressed his frustration, stating, “It is unfortunate that no one has come to listen to our concerns in the past 15 days. The ADC Reasi claimed the project work would be stopped, yet construction continues. We have geo-tagged photos of the locations, and it seems no one is willing to listen to the poor people. We are going for a mass strike on Dec 18, and on the same day, we will decide on future actions.”
Meanwhile, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, did not respond again to repeated calls.
During the last week of November, protests were held in Katra against this proposed ropeway from Katra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan and several leaders were arrested by the police.
On November 18, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board had announced implementation of the long-awaited ropeway project to facilitate a safer and faster journey for the pilgrims.
Last week, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha assured that the genuine concerns of those protesting against the proposed ropeway project along the Mata Vaishno Devi route would be addressed.
