Protests intensify against Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project, hunger strike and threat of self-immolation

Protests by local people against the proposed ropeway project for Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir are increasing. The protests continued in Katra for the sixth consecutive day. The protesters have started a hunger strike demanding the release of detained agitators and cancellation of the ropeway project.

Bandh and protests continue in Katra

The bandh started in Katra from Wednesday on the call of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti.

• Effect of closure:
  • All shops, restaurants and business establishments remained closed in Katra.
  • Traffic was completely absent on the roads.
• Committee claims:
  The committee said that the entire region is in their support, and this movement is for the survival, respect and protection of the traditional path of Mata Vaishno Devi.

Committee’s allegations and demands

The committee accused the government of demanding the cancellation of the ropeway project.

• Committee statement:
  • “This is a fight to ensure the continuity of the mother’s traditional path.”
  • “The government is refusing to release and negotiate with the protesters, making the situation worse.”
• Why oppose the ropeway project?
  Protesters believe the project will affect local businesses and traditional pilgrimages.

Demand for release of Bhupinder Singh and threat of self-immolation

The situation has become serious regarding the release of Sangharsh Samiti leader Bhupinder Singh and other protesters who were detained during the demonstration.

• Shivani Jamwal’s threat:
  • Bhupinder Singh’s wife Shivani Jamwal threatened to commit suicide.
  • He said,
    “If my husband and other protesters are not released by this evening, I will commit suicide.”
  • He expressed concern over the deteriorating health of the detained people.

protestors on hunger strike

Five protesters are on hunger strike since Wednesday night demanding the release of 18 committee members.

• Detained protesters:
  These protesters were arrested during a protest march against the ropeway project in Katra.
• Shivani claims:
  The health of the detained protesters is continuously deteriorating, and the government is not paying attention to it.