Jammu, Dec 25 (KNO): The 72-hour shutdown called by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti against the proposed ropeway project commenced in the holy town of Katra on Wednesday.
Witnesses told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse protestors opposing the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project.
Some demonstrators were also detained. The project, which is intended to link Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat over a 12-km route, has sparked widespread protests from the locals.
Natives, including business owners, pony wallas, shopkeepers and others fear that the proposed ropeway project may have adverse impact on the environment and would hit their livelihoods.
As part of the shutdown, all commercial activities in Katra have come to a halt. Following the bandh call hundreds of people led by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti leaders Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand took out a protest march in the city.
“The protesters raised slogans against the Shrine Board and the administration and accused them of adopting an adamant attitude. When the policemen stopped the protesters from moving forward, a clash broke out between the two sides,” witnesses said.
“The police detained many protesters including Singh and Chand and took them away in a vehicle,” they added.
Bhupinder Singh alleged that the government is “compelling” the people of Katra to come on the streets.
“We are demanding the closure of this project to save the jobs of thousands of people. Instead of talking to us as promised by the administration, they are using the police to detain us. This is unfortunate,” he said.
Former minister Jugal Kishore criticised the “use of force” against the protesters. “We strongly condemn the administration’s move to use force against peaceful protesters. Their action is aimed at aggravating the situation in Katra, which is unacceptable,” he told reporters.
Earlier, in response to growing protests against the proposed ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to the Vaishno Devi shrine, security forces conducted a flag march in Katra to maintain law and order.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi, Paramvir Singh while talking to KNO said, “People have been protesting here for the past three days, and we have been managing the situation. Today, some of them pelted stones at the police team. We are trying to handle the situation, and hopefully, normalcy will be restored soon.”
Meanwhile, all business establishments remained closed and public transport was off the roads in the city following the protest call.
It may be recalled that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while referring to the proposed ropeway project had stated that “any losses suffered would be addressed.”
Last month, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to set up a ropeway to facilitate senior citizens, children and others who face challenges in walking the 13-km-long path to the cave shrine—(KNO)