Mehbooba Mufti Urges Lt Governor Sinha to Halt Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project, Calls for FIR Withdrawal Against Protesters
Katra/Jammu, November 30: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to reconsider the proposed construction of a ropeway along the trek to the revered Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district. Emphasizing that religious sites should remain places of sanctity rather than being turned into tourism hubs, she also demanded the immediate withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters opposing the project following recent violence in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with demonstrators in Katra, Mehbooba voiced concerns about the potential economic and social fallout of the ropeway project. “The livelihood of thousands of shopkeepers, laborers, and other locals is intrinsically tied to the pilgrimage. The ropeway would bypass key locations on the trek, adversely affecting their income and transforming the spiritual essence of the shrine into a tourist-driven activity,” she said.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing struggle with the highest unemployment rate in the country, the former Chief Minister claimed that neither government jobs nor private investments were providing relief. “In a region where privatization is hindered due to electricity shortages, despite J&K generating significant power, locals rely heavily on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage for sustenance. Constructing this ropeway will deprive them of their livelihoods,” she asserted.
Mehbooba also pointed to the grievances of the Baridar community, who traditionally managed the shrine before the establishment of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. “The Baridars have been sidelined, and their ongoing protests reflect their dissatisfaction. The LG, as the Shrine Board chairperson, must prioritize the well-being of local communities over commercial projects,” she urged.
Criticizing the handling of protests, Mehbooba demanded the withdrawal of FIRs against anti-ropeway demonstrators. “In a democracy, people have the right to voice their dissent. Snatching away livelihood opportunities will inevitably lead to unrest. Instead of suppressing protests, the administration must address the root cause of the grievances,” she stated.
In a related development, Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra visited Katra to meet with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti president and party leader Bhupinder Singh Jamwal. Protesters shared their concerns with Karra and submitted a memorandum demanding a reevaluation of the project.
The Vaishno Devi ropeway project continues to spark debate, with critics warning of its potential to disrupt livelihoods and diminish the spiritual sanctity of the shrine, while proponents argue it could enhance access for pilgrims. The administration has yet to issue a response to the growing dissent.
