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| Politics heats up after Congress, Mehbooba join protests in Katra | | Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 30: The controversy surrounding the proposed ropeway project for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has taken a political turn, with major political parties voicing support for the agitating residents of Katra. Following the Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has now extended its solidarity with the protesting groups.
On Saturday, PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited Katra and interacted with the protesters, expressing her strong opposition to the decision of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to construct the ropeway.
Mehbooba Mufti demanded the withdrawal of the FIR registered against two protestors.
The proposed ropeway, aimed at improving accessibility to the shrine, has sparked widespread opposition among Katra residents and local stakeholders.
Protesters argue that the project will negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on the traditional pilgrimage routes, including pony owners, porters, and shopkeepers. They also claim that the ropeway will lead to environmental degradation and disrupt the spiritual sanctity of the pilgrimage experience.
Addressing the media, Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Shrine Board for allegedly sidelining the concerns of the local population.
“This project is being pushed through without taking into account the voices of the people of Katra who are directly affected by it. Their livelihoods are at stake, and the cultural essence of the pilgrimage is being jeopardized. Development should never come at the cost of the people,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti also accused the government and the Shrine Board of being insensitive to local sentiments and urged them to prioritize dialogue with stakeholders.
“Katra ha The controversy surrounding the proposed ropeway project for the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has taken a political turn.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti visited Katra and demanded the withdrawal of the FIR registered against two protesters.
The proposed ropeway is aimed at improving accessibility to the shrine.
Protesters argue that the project will negatively impact the livelihoods of those dependent on the traditional pilgrimage routes.
The PDP chief’s visit comes on the heels of similar support extended by the Congress, which had earlier criticized the project as being detrimental to Katra’s economy.
Three days ago senior Congress leaders visited the protesters earlier this week, emphasizing that the ropeway would harm the region’s traditional economy and disrupt its socio-cultural fabric.
The Shrine Board, however, has defended the project, citing its potential to enhance the pilgrimage experience, reduce congestion, and ensure greater safety for devotees. According to the Board, the ropeway will enable faster and easier access to the shrine, particularly for the elderly and differently-abled devotees. It has also assured that the project complies with all environmental norms.
Despite these assurances, opposition to the project continues to grow, with local groups intensifying their protests. The agitation has also triggered a broader debate on balancing development with environmental and social considerations.
As the agitation gains momentum, protesters have vowed to continue their fight until their demands are met. “We will not allow the Shrine Board to impose this project on us without addressing our concerns. This is not just about development; it is about preserving our heritage and livelihood,” a local protest leader said.
The ropeway project has thus emerged as a politically sensitive issue, with its resolution requiring a delicate balance between development aspirations and the concerns of local communities. |
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