Peace in Katra a day after violent protests

Katra town, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi shrine, returned to normalcy a day after violent protests during which a cop was injured.

Shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin workers resumed their activities after a four-day strike against the proposed ropeway project, which aims to connect the temple area of Vaishno Devi directly with Katra, reducing the 4-5 hour trek to just 6 minutes.

Shops along the route to the temple reopened, and pilgrims were seen trekking to the holy shrine as usual.

Meanwhile, Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan held discussions with Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), urging the suspension of work on the ropeway project. The shrine board complied with the request.

Sources indicated that a meeting between SMVDSB officials and representatives of business establishments, pony operators, and palanquin owners will be convened before December 15. The administration is expected to mediate the discussions to ensure that the livelihoods of shopkeepers and other stakeholders are not adversely affected by the ropeway project.

L-G Manoj Sinha on Monday emphasised the importance of balancing local business interests with the need for development at the shrine.