The shutdown in Katra against the Vaishno Devi ropeway project entered its third day on Friday, with more people joining the hunger strike to demand the release of those arrested by the police.
On Wednesday, the Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced a 72-hour shutdown and said that all trade activities in the region would remain suspended during the bandh.
Women, along with some children, have also decided to join the six protesters on hunger strike since Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 Samiti members arrested during the march against the ropeway project.
The Samiti members had black flags displayed across the town; shops, restaurants, and other business establishments remained closed for the third day, and vehicular movement was at a standstill, following the Samiti’s call for protest.
"The ongoing bandh is part of a 72 hours or three-day shutdown against the ropeway project. Everything is going on peacefully, and Samiti will decide the future course," said a spokesman for the Samiti.
The government recently cleared the way for the construction of the ropeway project that is supposed to ease travel for the elderly, children, and those unable to climb the steep mountainous track leading up to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Those protesting against the project have said that the completion of the project is likely to take away the livelihood of hundreds of people, including shopkeepers, restaurant owners, Dhabas, and fruit sellers associated with the Vaishno Devi shrine.
The proposed ₹250 crore ropeway project will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the cave shrine in Reasi district.
Furthermore, with the majority of the markets closed, many pilgrims travelling from different parts of the country expressed their dissatisfaction over the closure of eateries, and the unavailability of local transport has caused an immense inconvenience for them.
Meanwhile, as per official stats released by the board, over 93 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine till December 2024.
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