Protests Erupt Over Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project, Clashes with Police in Katra
A protest by shopkeepers, laborers, and pony and palanquin owners against the proposed ₹250-crore 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 Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest, initially planned as a 72-hour strike, had already been extended by 24 hours on Sunday evening, with protesters voicing concerns over the project that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced to connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. The ropeway, expected to be completed within two years, has sparked fears that it will render local workers, including shopkeepers, pony owners, and others, unemployed.
The situation worsened on Monday when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle tried to navigate through the protest in Katra, triggering a violent outburst from the demonstrators. Protesters reportedly damaged the vehicle’s windshield, prompting the police to intervene. This led to clashes, with protesters hurling bricks at the officers. One policeman was reportedly injured during the altercation, after being manhandled by the protesters.
Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh confirmed the escalating tensions and stated that police were actively working to de-escalate the situation. “The law and order situation has become challenging, and we are in talks with the protesters to find a solution,” he said.
The protesters are demanding either the cancellation of the ropeway project or financial compensation for those who will be impacted by the development. They argue that the project, while beneficial for tourism, will threaten their livelihoods, as many rely on the traditional trek route for business.
In response to the growing unrest, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured the public on Monday that the legitimate concerns of the protesters would be addressed. As chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sinha emphasized that a committee, led by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, had already been engaged in discussions with local stakeholders to build consensus on the project. He further assured that while employment concerns would be taken into account, there would be no compromise on the development initiatives aimed at creating long-term job opportunities for the local community.
As tensions remain high, authorities are hopeful that continued dialogue will help resolve the conflict, while ensuring the progress of the ambitious ropeway project designed to improve accessibility to the Vaishno Devi shrine, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.
