Srinagar, Dec 01: Various stakeholders, including trade unions, labor leaders, hoteliers, Beopar Mandal, and other associations, under the banner of the ‘Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti Katra,’ issued an ultimatum to the government on Sunday, demanded cancellation of proposed ropeway project by December 15. If their demands are not met and vowed to launch a mass strike.
The moves came during a public meeting attended by hundreds of local residents at Shalimar Park in Katra, Vaishno Devi, where strong opposition to the Tarakote Ropeway Project was expressed by the leaders, stakeholders.
They unanimously agreed that no ropeway should be installed in or around Katra and Vaishno Devi and called on the government to immediately cancel the project.
Senior Union leader and President of Palki Association, Sohand Chand, told Rising Kashmir that the crucial meeting at Katra was attended by all stakeholders and will collectively oppose this project.
“So far no committee has been formed but it was decided that all associations in Katra will be its members. It is a matter of employment and faith of the Katra. We will now present our mandate in discussions with the Shrine Board and the Jammu and Kashmir government,” he said.
Sohand said during the meeting, it was decided to give the government a 15 day ultimatum to wind up this ropeway project or they will launch a massive strike against the move.
“If this project is to be setup, it will impact the livelihoods of hundreds of laborers, workers, and hoteliers in town. Katra will become a mere picnic spot, like Gulmarg. We will not let the government proceed with this plan,” he added.
Chand said this historical track to Bhawan has spiritual importance and should not be viewed through a materialistic lens. We appeal to the government to review this proposal again, he added.
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.
Meanwhile, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, did not respond to repeated calls from this reporter.
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.
Sinha, who chairs the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), stated that a committee led by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu had engaged with stakeholders to build consensus on development initiatives.
He said concerns about potential job losses are being considered and reiterated that development projects would proceed without compromise while ensuring ample employment opportunities for the public.
On Saturday, former J&K chief minister and president of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti said that pilgrimages should not be converted into places of tourism” and that “any move to create ropeway project at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine from Tarakote Marg to Sanjichhat would render thousands of labourers jobless”.
She requested lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha to reconsider the decision, which, she said, “if implemented, it would severely hit thousands of labourers, who rely upon the pilgrimage for their livelihood”.
