Katra returns to normalcy after government frees protesters, halts ropeway work till amicable solution

Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi temple resumed normalcy after a week-long shutdown. The government released 18 protesters and suspended the ropeway project until concerns are addressed. Pilgrims returned to the town, and traffic movement was restored. The project aimed to help senior citizens, but locals feared losing their livelihoods.

JAMMU: After a week-long shutdown, Katra , the base camp of Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, returned to normalcy on Wednesday after government released all 18 protesters late Tuesday and suspended the proposed ropeway project work until their objections are resolved. The usual hustle and bustle returned to the holy town on the first day of the new year, with pilgrims seen waiting in long serpentine queues at the entry points in Katra and Bhawan. "All shops, restaurants, and business establishments have reopened.

Traffic movement has also been restored, bringing much relief to the pilgrims in the town," said divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar, who, along with ADGP Anand Jain, met with members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, assuring them of an amicable solution to their objections. Last month, shrine board announced plans to install a ropeway to improve access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find it difficult to climb the 13-km-long track to the cave temple. Sangharsh samiti, along with local traders and others, protested against the project, citing fears of losing their livelihoods due to the ropeway.

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