Protest against ropeway in Katra turns violent; policeman injured

Protests against the ropeway project in Katra town, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, turned violent on Monday when protesters began pelting stones at police, resulting in injuries to a policeman.

Senior police and district administration officials rushed to the scene to pacify the protesters, who had been demonstrating for four consecutive days. Initially, the strike called by shopkeepers, and pony and palanquin owners, was planned for 72 hours but was extended by 24 hours on Sunday to press their demands.

Following hours-long discussions, the district administration assured the protesters of engaging with various stakeholders, including the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), to address their concerns. Subsequently, the protesters agreed to call off their strike.

The shopkeepers and other stakeholders claim that the Rs 250-crore ropeway project along the trek route to the Vaishno Devi shrine would severely impact their livelihoods. They argue that pilgrims would bypass shops and cease using ponies and palanquins if the ropeway becomes operational.

The SMVDSB, which announced the project last year, had put it on hold after similar protests. However, CEO Anshul Garg recently stated that the board would proceed with the project for the ease of pilgrims and to provide better facilities at the shrine.

The protests turned aggressive on Monday when a CRPF vehicle passing through the protest site was attacked. Protesters damaged the vehicle, breaking its windshield. Officials said the situation escalated further as protesters threw bricks at police, chased them, and manhandled some officers. One policeman sustained a leg injury.

Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan confirmed that the situation escalated due to stone-pelting but stated that the administration and police were able to calm the protesters.

“I and the SSP reached the spot and assured the protesters that their concerns would be discussed with higher authorities to reach a consensus,” Mahajan said.

The Deputy Commissioner also requested the shrine board to temporarily halt work on the project to facilitate discussions and create a positive resolution. “We will soon hold talks with senior shrine board officials to resolve the issue,” he added.

Later, Mahajan and protest leader Bhupinder Singh announced the suspension of the strike. “We are aware of your demands and concerns. Bhupinder has given time until December 15 for discussions with all stakeholders,” Mahajan said while addressing the protesters. He said that pilgrims coming from various parts of the country should not face difficulties due to the strike.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during an event in Jammu, assured that the livelihood concerns of the protesters would be addressed. Sinha, who is also the chairman of the shrine board, noted that a committee led by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu had already initiated discussions with stakeholders to build consensus on development projects.

“There will be no compromise on development projects, and employment opportunities will be created for locals,” Sinha stated.

Rattan Lal Gupta, the provincial president of the National Conference (NC), expressed serious concern over the ongoing agitation in Katra. He urged the shrine board to consider the plight of those whose livelihoods are tied to the pilgrimage economy, including the business community of Katra town.