Protests against a proposed ropeway project to the Vaishno Devi shrine turned violent on Monday as demonstrators clashed with police at Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, leaving one policeman injured.
The confrontation erupted when protesters, primarily shopkeepers and labourers on an extended strike, objected to a CRPF vehicle passing through their dharna site. Some demonstrators damaged the vehicle's windscreen, leading to brick-throwing at police forces.
"The law and order situation has become challenging, and we are trying to handle it," said Reasi's Senior Superintendent of Police, Paramvir Singh, adding that officials are negotiating with protesters to resolve the situation.
The unrest stems from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's plans for a Rs 250 crore ropeway connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre pilgrimage route. Local business owners and workers fear the two-year project will threaten their livelihoods.
The protest, which began on November 22, was initially planned for 72 hours but has been extended by another day. Demonstrators are demanding either the project's cancellation or compensation for affected individuals.

Traders clashed with police during protest in Katra

Shopkeepers clash with police at Katra base camp over Rs 250-crore project threatening livelihoods

Violence Mars Vaishno Devi Ropeway Protest

Shopkeepers clash with police at Katra base camp over Rs 250-crore project threatening livelihoods

November 25, 2024 | 17:13 IST