Mohd Irfan
In a dramatic turn of events surrounding the agitation against the proposed ropeway project by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Shivani Jamwal the wife of detained leader Bhupinder Singh Jamwal has issued a fiery ultimatum.
Expressing deep resentment against local leadership for their indifference, she threatened self-immolation along with the wives of other detained leaders if her husband’s plight and demands of the protesting locals continue to be ignored.
Speaking to media persons after meeting her husband in jail, the anguished wife minced no words in condemning the “apathy and political opportunism” of local leaders. “My husband has been on a hunger strike for the people of Katra, yet his name doesn’t even appear in the newspapers,” she said, her voice heavy with both anger and sorrow.
She accused local leaders of abandoning the cause and those spearheading it. “Those who give grand speeches to the public have not even bothered to check on my husband or the other detainees. While these leaders are enjoying langars and parading in fine attire, my husband and two others—Sohan Singh and Bhanu—are languishing in jail, surviving on minimal liquid intake. Even water is becoming unbearable for their weakened bodies.”
Tears streaming down her face, she added, “My husband, once a man of strong physique, now requires two attendants to care for him. His health is deteriorating rapidly, and no leader has shown the courage to stand by us. Their politics is self-serving, and it is the poor who pay the price.”
The distressed wife issued a heartfelt plea to the people of Katra. “Why are you silent? This is not just my fight or my husband’s fight—this is for all of us. Will you remain mute spectators while the leadership betrays our cause?”
She further warned of grave consequences if no action is taken by the administration, including the Lieutenant Governor, SDM, and CEO. “If anything happens to my husband, who is already battling fatal diabetes, I will set myself on fire. Right now, I am in my ‘Chandi roop’ (fiery incarnation). This indifference will not be tolerated anymore.”
Targeting local political leaders, including the MLA, she lamented their absence at this crucial juncture. “Not even a phone call, not even a visit. Show me the proof that you care. My question is simple—where is the MLA when my husband and others are risking their lives for Katra’s future?” According to her, one protestor claimed that some leaders have even belittled the movement, dismissing the detained youths as “mad.” She also alleged that the same leaders who are now silent rode to victory on the “Modi wave” and have abandoned the very people who put them in power.
The health of the three detainees—Bhupinder Singh Jamwal, Sohan Singh, and Bhanu—has reportedly deteriorated significantly. Jamwal, who is diabetic, is said to be in critical condition, with severe weight loss and inability to consume even water.
As tensions escalate, the wife of Bhupinder Singh Jamwal announced plans to intensify the agitation, warning that the indifferent attitude of both the administration and local leadership will no longer be tolerated. The situation in Katra remains volatile, with growing public frustration over the perceived lack of support for those protesting against the contentious ropeway project. The coming days will reveal whether the administration and local leaders step up to address these grievances or if the agitation spirals further out of control.
The Shrine Board’s ropeway project has already sparked significant debate, with locals voicing concerns about its potential impact on the town’s ecosystem, livelihood, and spiritual sanctity. The plight of the detainees and their families now adds another layer of urgency to the unfolding crisis. The ball is firmly in the court of the administration and political leadership as Katra braces for what could be a decisive moment in its ongoing struggle.
