Vaishno Devi Ropeway: Violent protests erupt in Katra

Cop, over 12 agitators injured; Strike called off as administration intervenes

Jammu, Nov 25: Over a dozen people and a policeman were injured when a peaceful march by shopkeepers and labourers against a proposed ropeway project along the trek route to the Vaishno Devi shrine turned violent on Monday.

As per the reports, the protesters resorted to stone pelting and clashed with police in Reasi district, while police restored to lathi charge to maintain law and order in the town.

The locals informed that thousands of people including shopkeepers of Katra, labourers,  pony operators and pitthu wala assembled at main Chowk Katra where the protest against the decision of Shrine Board was ongoing for the last three days.

Amid slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, hundreds of protesters held a March and sit-in at Katra town, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the shrine atop Trikuta hill.

The protesters, who had initially called for a 72-hour strike, extended it by 24 hours late on Sunday. During Monday’s protest, the tension escalated when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle attempted to pass through the town while the protesters were holding a dharna.

Police said that some protesters turned violent, hitting the vehicle and breaking its windshield. However, protesters claimed that police restored unprovoked lathi charge and beat the protesters.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh said, “The law and order situation has become challenging, and we are trying to handle it. Officers are in talks with the protesters to resolve the issue.”

The protesters have been demanding that the project be shut down or that compensation be provided to all those likely to be affected.

The strike, called by shopkeepers and pony and palanquin owners, began on November 22 after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to proceed with the Rs 250-crore ropeway project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre route.

The shopkeepers and labourers fear the project, proposed to be completed in two years, would render them jobless.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan and protest leader Bhupinder Singh jointly announced the strike’s suspension.

“I have held talks with Bhupinder. We are aware of your demands and concerns. Bhupinder has given time till December 15 to hold talks with all stakeholders to resolve the issues,” Mahajan said while addressing the protesters.

He said the pilgrims coming from various parts of the country should not face difficulties due to the strike. “We will immediately take up the demand for work on the ropeway with the shrine board. Other demands, such as compensation, will be discussed within two to three days. Please choose two to three members for talks,” he said. “We will strive to find a solution acceptable to all,” he added.

Bhupinder Singh said the government has been given time until December 15 to resolve the issues, and the strike has been called off until then.

Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said the genuine concerns of the people protesting at the Katra base camp against the proposed ropeway project along the Mata Vaishno Devi route would be addressed.

People’s concerns will be taken care of: LG

Jammu Tawi, Nov 25:   Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the genuine concerns of the people protesting against the proposed ropeway project along the Mata Vaishno Devi route would looked after.

Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), said a committee headed by the divisional commissioner of Jammu had already talked to the stakeholders to build a consensus on the development projects.

He was talking to reporters after taking stock of the ongoing Tawi Riverfront project in the heart of the city.

Responding to a question on the stone-pelting incident in Katra on the fourth day of the strike against the construction of the ropeway project, the Lt Governor said the concerns with regard to loss of employment are being taken care of.

However, he said there would be no compromise with development projects and creating ample employment opportunities for the people.

A march by shopkeepers and labourers against the proposed ropeway project along the trek route leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine took an ugly turn on Monday as some protesters clashed with police at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The protesters are demanding that the project be shut down or compensation for all those likely to be affected.

A police official was injured in the stone pelting by the protesters but the situation was immediately brought under control with deployment of additional forces, officials said.

The strike by shopkeepers, and pony and palanquin owners began on Friday after the Shrine Board announced plans to proceed with a Rs 250-crore passenger ropeway project between Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometre track and complete it within two years.

Last week, the shrine board announced the implementation of the long-awaited ropeway project to facilitate a safer and faster journey for the pilgrims.

“The ropeway project will be a game changer, especially for those pilgrims who find it challenging to undertake the steep trek to the shrine,” shrine board CEO Anshul Garg had said.

The project had been shelved in the past due to similar protests.

While the shopkeepers up to three kilometres of the trek shut their establishments for the fourth day, the pony and palanquin owners also stayed away causing hardships to many pilgrims.