Jammu, Jan 1 || A breakthrough was achieved on Wednesday that would end the continuing protests in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine base camp town of Katra.
Shopkeepers, hoteliers, transport operators, Pony and Palki wallahs have been in protest for the last eight days against the proposed Rs 300-crore ropeway project from Tarakote Marg in Katra to Sanji Chhat at the Mata’s cave shrine.
The administration formed a 4-member team on Tuesday to engage in discussions with the protesters. The administration has already announced its decision to release all detained protesters, including the Samiti leaders.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, told reporters that the decisions were taken after holding detailed discussions with members of the civil society.
“After the discussions, it was decided that all those detained would be released and the market will be reopened. Secondly, the work on the ropeway will remain suspended until the committee completes its discussions. A four-member committee has been formed by the Lieutenant Governor,” Ramesh Kumar said.
Ramesh Kumar and the CEO of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board are among the members of the committee.
The divisional commissioner, flanked by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti leaders, told reporters that all issues will be discussed during the committee’s meetings.