The week-long agitation against the Katra Ropeway Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district was suspended after an agreement was reached between the government and the Sangharsh Samiti late Wednesday evening. The Divisional Administration released all 18 detained Sangharsh Samiti members, who had been lodged in Reasi and Udhampur jails. The decision came after discussions between the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and the Samiti members, led by Bali Ram Rana. The Samiti assured the government that the Katra town markets would reopen as part of the resolution.

The government also agreed to stall further work on the ropeway project until the Samiti engages in discussions with a special committee constituted by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This committee includes members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board—Dr. Ashok Bhan and Suresh Sharma—along with Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Shrine Board CEO Anshul Garg. The assurance was provided to address the concerns of local stakeholders, who have been opposing the project over fears of disruption to the region’s ecological and social fabric.

The protest, which had brought the Katra region to a standstill, reflects broader challenges in balancing development with the interests of local communities. The temporary suspension of the project underscores the need for inclusive decision-making and meaningful dialogue with affected groups. The upcoming meetings with the LG’s committee will determine the future course of the Katra Ropeway Project, which has sparked significant public and political debate.