Jammu: A protest by shopkeepers and laborers against the proposed ₹250-crore ropeway project along the trek route to the Vaishno Devi shrine turned violent on Monday, with demonstrators clashing with police at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
In a video on social media, police personnel were seen being pelted stones and attacked by protesters.
Tensions escalated when protesters, who were holding a march and sit-in in Katra town, became agitated as a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle attempted to pass through. Some protesters attacked the vehicle, breaking its windshield, which led to clashes. Bricks were reportedly thrown at the police during the incident.
Officials confirmed to PTI that one policeman was injured after being attacked by the protesters.
The agitation began on November 22 with a 72-hour strike, later extended by 24 hours, after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to proceed with the ropeway project, which is expected to be completed in two years. Shopkeepers, pony operators, and palanquin owners fear the project will leave them jobless.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh acknowledged the worsening law and order situation and told PTI that discussions were underway with protesters to resolve the issue.
The demonstrators are demanding either the project’s cancellation or compensation for those affected.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that the legitimate concerns of the protesters would be addressed.
He stated that a committee led by the Jammu divisional commissioner had already engaged with stakeholders to build consensus on development projects. However, Sinha said that while employment concerns would be addressed, there would be no compromise on development initiatives.
