The week-long shutdown and strike in Katra over the Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project ended late Tuesday night following written assurances from the administration.
The announcement was made jointly by Jammu’s Divisional Commissioner and representatives of the Sangharsh Samiti after extensive deliberations over the protests.
A two-and-a-half-hour meeting between the administration and the Sangharsh Samiti resulted in a consensus. Key decisions included the unconditional release of all 18 detained committee members and halting construction of the ropeway project until a detailed discussion is held with stakeholders, including committee members, about the project’s impact on the Yatra route.
Following the resolution, youth staging a hunger strike at the Katra bus stand also called off their protest. Business establishments in Katra and along the Yatra route are set to reopen Wednesday morning, restoring horse, pony, and palanquin services for devotees on the first day of the New Year.
The strike’s conclusion brought relief to local residents, business owners and pilgrims. The seven-day protest had severely impacted businesses and disrupted services for devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi during the busy New Year period. With the strike over, services for horses, mules and palanquins will resume, easing travel for pilgrims.
The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s proposed ropeway project has been a contentious issue. While the board asserts that the project will benefit elderly and disabled devotees, the local Sangharsh Samiti opposes it, arguing it threatens the livelihoods of horse, mule and palanquin operators and undermines religious traditions.
Tensions escalated as 18 committee members were detained, prompting the Sangharsh Samiti to call for a 72-hour bandh, later extended by three hours. On Monday, the final day of the strike, protests continued at Shalimar Park, with participation from BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma and former Municipal Council President Vimal Indu.