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Jammu: A protest by shopkeepers and laborers against a proposed ropeway project along the Vaishno Devi trek route turned violent as demonstrators clashed with Indian police.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters, who have been on strike since November 22, clashed with police at the Katra base camp in Reasi district. The strike, which began in opposition to the Rs 250-crore ropeway project, was extended by 24 hours due to escalating tensions.
The protesters, primarily shopkeepers and laborers, fear that the project will render them jobless and disrupt their livelihoods. Tensions flared when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle attempted to pass through the protest site. Protesters, chanting slogans, turned violent, smashing the vehicle’s windshield and throwing bricks at the police. One police officer was injured in the scuffle.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh stated that efforts were underway to resolve the situation, with talks being held between police and protesters. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the project or compensation for those affected.
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