New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has started a major de-escalation with all the stakeholders in response to widespread protests against the proposed Katra ropeway project. Following days of demonstrations and arrests, the administration has announced the release of all detained protestors and the formation of a high-level committee.
The committee will address the concerns of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti. Following the meeting, the representatives of Sangharsh Samiti stated that they would end their bandh call and engage in talks with the administration.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar announced the decision to stop construction of the controversial Rs 250 crore ropeway project, at least temporarily, and release those arrested following discussions with civil society members and representatives of the Sangharsh Samiti. “The work on the ropeway will remain suspended until the committee completes its discussions,” Kumar said.
Kumar emphasised that the ropeway construction would remain suspended until the four-member committee completed its discussions and reached a resolution. The committee, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, includes Kumar himself and the CEO of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. “We hope no one sabotages this process now. This will be the best decision,” a Samiti representative remarked.
The protests, which began on December 25th, effectively shut down Katra town, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi temple. The Sangharsh Samiti, spearheading the demonstrations, had called for complete shelving of the ropeway project, intended to connect Tarakote Marg with Sanjichhat, offering an alternative route to the cave shrine, and the immediate release of those detained, including prominent Samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand. Police had arrested several protestors in response to the demonstrations.
While the Shrine Board had previously touted the project to improve accessibility for senior citizens and children unable to manage the 13-km trek to the temple, the protesters highlighted deeply rooted concerns within the community saying that the project will make thousands jobless.
