Jammu, Dec 27 || The protest against the ropeway project in Mata Vaishno Devi shrine base camp Katra in Jammu & Kashmir entered the third day on Friday, as more protesters joined the hunger strike.
The protesters are demanding that the ropeway project proposed from Tarakote to Sanji Chhat be cancelled as it would affect the livelihood of shopkeepers, hoteliers, transporters, pony and palki wallahs and others connected with business in Katra town.
The protesters also demanded the release of fellow protesters detained by police during earlier demonstrations.
Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti called for a 72-hour shutdown, which began on Wednesday. Women and children have now joined the six protesters who began a hunger strike on Wednesday night.
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has approved a Rs 300 crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12 kilometre track to the shrine after shelving the project in the past due to similar protests.
The shrine board said that the proposed project will facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens, children and others who find it difficult to climb the track to the cave shrine.