Traders, pony wallahs on strike

Jammu, Nov 22: Traders and pony wallahs have stated a 72 hour long strike alleging that the proposed ropeway project between Katra and Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi (SMVD) Shrine will render thousands of people jobless.

"Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi Shrine Board was mulling this project since last three to four years and we raised our objections and were assured by Government that any decision will be taken only after discussion with stakeholders but things are going contrary," the protesters said . The protesters include traders having their shops on Katra town to Shri Mata Vaishnoo Devi shrine track, horse-carriers, Ponywallahs.

" We have lodged our resentment multiple times in last three years and were assured by Government every time while the matter was also taken before J&K LG who assured that deliberations would be made with stakeholders and people will be taken on board," protesters said . They added that a committee headed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu was also constituted but minutes of meeting are yet to be made public.

"Our shops are on track and we all will be rendered jobless and left on starvation by this project,"said Prabhat Singh, one of the protester who further said that the protesters will not allowed this project to see light of day.

"Shrine Board does not provide employment to locals and rather people from outside are their employees and instead locals are earning livelihood through shops, carrying devotees on horses and ponies," they said.

Officials said they are in touch with traders and others on the issue and resolve the matter.