BJP Leader Ritu Thakur Warns Shrine Board: “Religious Sentiments Are Non-Negotiable”
Mohd Irfan
The agitation led by the Katra Sangarsha Committee against the controversial ropeway project continues to gain momentum, with political leaders and local activists voicing strong opposition to what they term as a “threat to local livelihoods and religious sentiments.”
Addressing the media at the protest site, Congress leader Jai Sidh Bhalla launched a scathing attack on the government and the ruling party’s representatives. “This contentious issue could have been resolved had the Member of Parliament from the ruling party or the Union Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office stepped in. Their silence reflects their disregard for the sentiments of Katra’s people,” Bhalla said.
Bhalla emphasized that the proposed ropeway would devastate the livelihoods of locals, particularly porters who ferry pilgrims to the shrine. “This project is not just a policy matter; it’s a direct assault on the very survival of hundreds of families who rely on this work. Roads, railways, and now this ropeway—all these developments aim to shut down local businesses,” he lamented.
He further questioned the government’s narrative of aiding the disabled through the project. “If electric cars are already in operation, how many differently-abled individuals actually use them? The ropeway is nothing but a pretext to squeeze locals out of their rightful share of the economy,” he said.
BJP Leader Joins Protest, Warns Against Religious Insensitivity
Adding weight to the protest, BJP leader, Ritu Thakur who identified herself as both a social activist and a party member, expressed solidarity with the aggrieved locals. “We will not allow anyone to hurt our religious sentiments. The shrine board and those seeking commissions from this project should beware—they will face divine retribution,” she asserted.
She recalled the year 1986 when the Shrine Board took control, alleging that similar moves in the past have always come at the expense of the locals’ welfare. “This is not just about a ropeway. It’s about preserving the sanctity of our religious traditions and ensuring that our people are not displaced under the guise of development.”
High Costs and Exorbitant Charges Add Fuel to Fire
Bhalla also raised concerns about the alleged exploitative practices of the Shrine Board, citing exorbitant charges levied on pilgrims. “A single room in Katra is charged at Rs 4,000 when its actual rate is Rs 500. This kind of exploitation is unacceptable,” he said. He went on to accuse the Shrine Board of overcharging pilgrims for services and adding to their financial burden.
The BJP leader echoed these concerns, questioning the feasibility of the ropeway for differently-abled individuals. “With a monthly pension of Rs 1,000, how can these individuals afford Rs 4,200 for a ticket? This project is clearly not for the benefit of the needy,” she remarked.
Call for Unity Against Ropeway Project
Both leaders called for unity among the people of Katra, urging them to resist the ropeway project at all costs. “This is not a political issue but a fight to protect the livelihoods of locals and preserve the sanctity of this holy town. The people of Katra will decide what’s best for them, not bureaucrats or political leaders sitting in distant offices,” Bhalla declared. As the protest intensifies, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the people and reconsider the project that many believe undermines the socio-economic fabric of Katra.
