Srinagar, Jan 1: Jammu and Kashmir administration has released 18 protesters detained over the Katra ropeway project and formed a four-member committee to address their concerns.
The detainees, including prominent leaders, were freed on Tuesday night (December 31, 2024) from jails in Reasi and Udhampur. Their return to Katra was met with jubilant celebrations as hundreds of people welcomed them with chants of “Jai Mata Di” and drumbeats.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, leading the protests, expressed gratitude for the release and called it the first step toward their fight to halt the ropeway project. Shops and businesses in Katra, which were closed during the protests, have started reopening.
A youth involved in the hunger strike said, “The government has listened to us. We will continue our peaceful protest until the project is shelved.”
Jugal Kishore Sharma, a former minister and BJP MP, called the release a positive step. Bhupinder Singh, a Samiti leader, said the unity of Katra’s residents played a vital role in this victory.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar confirmed that discussions with civil society led to the detainees’ release and the reopening of markets. He also announced that work on the ropeway project would remain suspended until the committee concludes talks.
The committee includes Kumar, Shrine Board CEO Dr. Ashok Bhan, and member Suresh Sharma. It aims to find a resolution acceptable to all stakeholders.
