A protest by shopkeepers and laborers against a proposed ropeway project along the trek to the Vaishno Devi shrine turned violent on Monday as demonstrators clashed with police at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
According to police, the situation escalated, and talks are ongoing to ease tensions. Officials reported that one policeman was injured after being manhandled by protesters.
The demonstration, led by hundreds of protesters chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai,” involved a march and sit-in at Katra, the base camp for pilgrims heading to the shrine atop Trikuta hill. Initially planned as a 72-hour strike, the protest was extended by 24 hours on Sunday evening.
The strike, called by shopkeepers and owners of ponies and palanquins, began on November 22 after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced a ₹250-crore ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat. Protesters fear the project, expected to be completed in two years, will put them out of work.
Tensions rose on Monday when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle attempted to pass through the town during the protest. Some protesters became violent, damaging the vehicle’s windshield. The police intervened and moved the vehicle back, but clashes ensued, with protesters throwing bricks at the officers.
Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh stated, “The law and order situation has become challenging, and we are working to manage it. Officers are in discussions with the protesters to resolve the issue.” The protesters are demanding either the cancellation of the project or compensation for those affected.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the issue on Monday, assuring that the legitimate concerns of the protesters would be addressed. As chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, he confirmed that a committee led by the divisional commissioner of Jammu had already engaged with stakeholders to build consensus on the development projects. Sinha also stated that while employment concerns would be considered, there would be no compromise on development initiatives or creating job opportunities for the local population.
