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A 72-hour strike started in Katra on December 25 to protest the new ropeway project for Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Local people, including shopkeepers and pony operators, closed their businesses and stopped all work during the protest. This created many problems for pilgrims visiting the shrine.
What is the Ropeway Project?
The Shrine Board wants to build a ropeway to help elderly people, children, and those who find it hard to walk reach the shrine. The ropeway will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, making the 13-kilometer journey easier. The project is expected to cost â‚ą250 crore.
However, local workers and shopkeepers are worried that the ropeway will take away their jobs. Many people earn money by helping pilgrims on the old path, and they believe the project will harm their businesses.
Protest Turns Violent
The protests became tense as police tried to break up the crowd using lathi charges. Some protesters were arrested, and security forces marched through Katra to keep the peace. Shops, restaurants, and transport services were shut down, making it hard for pilgrims to find food and rest.
VIDEO | Jammu and Kashmir: Here's how devotees reacted to a strike by Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti in Katra over ropeway issue.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 25, 2024
(Source: Third Party)#VaishnoDevi #Katra pic.twitter.com/kPsCEROBXi
Pilgrims Face Problems
Many pilgrims were unhappy about the strike. "We don’t know where to eat or rest," said a visitor from Meerut. Another pilgrim said the ropeway would help elderly and sick people, but stopping everything like this was not fair to the pilgrims.
What Happens Next?
The Shrine Board says the ropeway will help many people, but locals want to protect their jobs. Talks between the government and protesters are needed to solve the issue. Meanwhile, pilgrims hope the strike ends soon so their journey to the holy shrine can continue without trouble.
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