Vaishno Devi ropeway: Protestors have started 72-hour shutdown protests against the Vaishno Devi ropeway project.
Vaishno Devi ropeway: The 72-hour shutdown began in Kata on December 25 against the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project. The bandh was called by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti, which included local business owners, including pony wallas, shopkeepers, and other proprietors, who said that all activities in Kata would remain suspended during the protest.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board last month announced its plan to install a ropeway to facilitate access for senior citizens, children, and others who find it difficult to trek the 13-km-long path leading to the cave shrine. This ₹250-crore project aims to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat.
The committee argued that the project threatened the livelihoods of local traders, laborers, and service providers who depend on the traditional pilgrimage route. The locals and workers are concerned that the ropeway project would render them jobless.
Tensions flared in Karta as police resorted to lathi-charge to scatter protestors opposing the ropeway project. The police also arrested some of the protestors. The security forces undertook a flag march to keep law and order intact in Karta following protests against the proposed Ropeway Project to the Vaishno Devi shrine.
