Riasi/Jammu, 24 December
Local shopkeepers, pony owners and others have announced a 72-hour bandh against the proposed ropeway project in Katra. Kattra is the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishnu Devi temple. Shri Mata Vaishnu Devi Sangharsh Samiti announced the strike on Tuesday and said that all activities in Kattra will remain closed during the strike. The committee said that the administration had promised a meeting on December 23, but then postponed it till three o’clock this evening. The president of the committee said, “Today we met the Deputy Commissioner. He has asked for more time to discuss this matter with the higher authorities. Therefore, we have decided to continue the strike.” -News-Patiala