Locals, police clash amid protest over Vaishno Devi ropeway project

PTC News Desk: A proposed ropeway project along the path to the Vaishno Devi shrine sparked protests from local shopkeepers, pony service providers, and labourers. Protesters clashed with police today at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi area, resulting in multiple injuries. 

Protests in Katra are over the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's (SMVDSB) decision to build a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat. The 2.4-kilometre ropeway, which is estimated to reduce the walk to six minutes, will help pilgrims, notably the elderly and those with restricted mobility. However, people are concerned that the project may jeopardise their livelihoods.

Hundreds of shopkeepers, porters, and pony service providers staged a sit-in protest, chanting slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" to express their dissatisfaction. The demonstrators claim that the project will bypass the traditional route, on which their livelihoods rely.

The shopkeepers' association's leader, Prabhat Singh, stated, "We will not allow the ropeway project to be implemented in Katra. We've been struggling against it for three years. We were given assurances in the past, but they have now moved forward with the project."

Today, protesters confronted a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle that attempted to move through the protest location. In the ensuing turmoil, the vehicle's windshield was shattered, and police were called in to restore order. Stones were reportedly thrown at Kashmir police and CRPF soldiers. 

Protesters are blocking the main bus stop in Katra where buses to the Vaishno Devi shrine arrive. Every year, more than 80 lakh devotees visit the Vaishno Devi shrine. 

"The law and order situation has grown challenging, and we are trying to handle it. Officers are negotiating with demonstrators to calm the situation," Reasi's Senior Superintendent of Police, Paramvir Singh, stated.