Violent Protests Erupt In J&K's Katra Over Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project

Tensions flared during Monday's demonstration when a CRPF vehicle attempted to pass through the protest site. Some protesters turned violent, damaging the vehicle and breaking its windshield.

A clash has been erupted between protestors and police at the Katra base camp in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The development came amidst the march by shopkeepers and labourers against a proposed ropeway project along the trek route which is heading towards the Vaishno Devi shrine. 

According to a report by PTI, police confirmed that steps have been taken to normalise the situation after escalating the law and order as well as talks with them. Officials added that amidst the tension, one policeman was injured following being manhandled by the protesters.

Amid chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai," hundreds of protesters marched and staged a sit-in in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine atop Trikuta hill. Originally planned as a 72-hour strike, the protest, led by shopkeepers and pony and palanquin owners, was extended by another 24 hours on Sunday evening.

Protesters Scared Of Losing Jobs

The strike, which began on November 22, was sparked by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's decision to move forward with a Rs 250-crore ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre pilgrimage route. Protesters fear the project, expected to be completed in two years, could threaten their livelihoods.

Tensions flared during Monday's demonstration when a CRPF vehicle attempted to pass through the protest site. Some protesters turned violent, damaging the vehicle and breaking its windshield. The vehicle was forced to retreat after police intervened, leading to clashes during which some protesters threw bricks at law enforcement personnel, officials said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh said, "The law and order situation has become challenging and we are trying to handle it. Officers are in talks with the protesters to resolve the issue." The protesters have been demanding to shut down the project or compensation for all those likely to be affected.