Sangharsh Samit Katra extends bandh by 72 hours

Srinagar, Dec 27: Sangharsh Samiti Katra Friday announced a 72-hour extension to the ongoing bandh, demanding the scrapping of the proposed ropeway project and release of detained 18 members. The pilgrimage remained disrupted for the third consecutive day,
The town observed a complete shutdown in protest against the ropeway project planned for the Trikuta hills. Local women and children also joined the six protesters who began a hunger strike on Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members detained during a protest.
Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti spokesperson, Karan Singh told Rising Kashmir that they have extended the bandth for next 72 hours. Our fight will continue until the government abandons the ropeway project, which poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of most Katra residents reliant on the pilgrimage economy, he added.
“All parties, both political and those part of the Samiti, are united in this agitation. Representatives from various parties are present here, and everyone is standing together in opposition to the ropeway project,” Singh said.
He said the administration is indifferent to the plight of people, including women and children, holding peaceful protests. Our simple demand is to shelve the project as it threatens the livelihood of Katra residents, most of whom rely on the pilgrimage economy, the spokesman said.
Singh further alleged that instead of initiating dialogue, the administration resorted to force, including the detention of samiti leaders during a peaceful protest.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which called for the shutdown, stated that all activities in Katra would remain suspended during the bandh.
With black flags raised across the town, shops, restaurants, and other business establishments stayed closed for the third consecutive day, while vehicular movement came to a halt.
The Rs 250-crore ropeway project, which aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat near the cave shrine in Reasi district, has been at the center of the ongoing agitation.
Amid the disruption caused by the bandh, the Shrine Board has made arrangements to support pilgrims arriving in Katra.
On Thursday, Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board said on X that over 93 lakh yatris have paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine this year.
“Special Langars set up by the Shrine Board at Katra Railway Station, Banganga and Tarakote offering Tea and Milk to the pilgrims, as Yatra continues smoothly through both the tracks,” he added.