Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti extended the ongoing bandh call for another 72 hours on Friday in protest against the proposed Ropeway project. The extension of the Bandh call across Katra township is bound to aggravate the hardships faced by the pilgrims. On the eve of the New Year celebrations, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine witnesses a huge rush of pilgrims who usher in the New Year by offering prayers in the sanctum sanctorum.

Due to the ongoing agitation, pilgrims are already deprived of basic amenities, refreshments and transport facilities along the Yatra trek and in the Katra township, the base camp of the cave shrine. The local shopkeepers and other service providers have been observing a complete shutdown since December 25.

The Shrine board authorities have made some alternate arrangements at the Railway station and bus station to provide refreshments to the pilgrims reaching Katra via the rail/road network. Inclement weather conditions have further compounded the miseries of pilgrims as it becomes difficult for them to trek the serpentine trek along with their luggage in the absence of pony wallahs and pithoos (men who ferry luggage, and children on their back). So far 93.60 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers inside the cave shrine this year.

The decision to extend the bandh call was taken after several rounds of consultations by the members of the sangarsh samiti in Katra.

Meanwhile, family members of the arrested members of the Sangarsh Samiti, continue to sit on dharna along with a group of youth observing an indefinite fast amid adverse weather conditions at Sridhar Chowk Katra.

The arrested members of the Sangarsh Samiti have been shifted from Katra to Udhampur jail. Interacting with the media persons, some of the family members of arrested Sangarsh Samiti leaders claimed the high-handed approach of the administration and the stubborn behavior of the Shrine Board had triggered anger among the residents of Katra. People from all segments of the society have now joined hands to further intensify their protest till the time a final decision is announced. They also accused the local MLA and Member of Parliament of ignoring their hardships and maintaining stoic silence.

Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to install the ropeway to facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens, children, and others who find it challenging to trek the 13-km-long path to the cave shrine.