Reasi/Jammu, December 24: A 72-hour shutdown by pony wallas, shopkeepers, and other proprietors will begin on Wednesday to protest against a proposed ropeway project in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Sangarsh Samiti announced the strike Tuesday, stating that all activities in Katra would remain suspended during the bandh. Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Committee Calls 72-hour Bandh to Protest Rs 250 Crore Ropeway Project.

"We have announced a 72-hour bandh in Katra starting tomorrow against the ropeway project. We seek the support of all residents of Katra to make the strike successful," a Samiti spokesperson said. He said the administration had initially promised to hold a meeting on December 23 but postponed it to 3 pm today. Police Detain Protestors for Opposing Proposed Rs 250 Cr Ropeway Project in Katra.

72-Hour Katra Bandh Announced Against Ropeway Project 

"We met the Deputy Commissioner today. They sought more time to discuss the issue with higher authorities. Therefore, we have decided to proceed with the strike," he said. Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board decided to install the ropeway to facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find it challenging to climb the 13-km track to the cave shrine. The proposed Rs 250-crore project will connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the Reasi district's cave shrine.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)