Katra Protests Turn Ugly: Protesters Clash with Police, Stone-Pelting reported

Katra Protests Turn Ugly: Protesters Clash with Police, Stone-Pelting reported

Jammu: A tense standoff in the Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district took a violent turn on Monday as protesters clashed with police and resorted to stone pelting, officials said.

The protests come amidst opposition from locals to the proposed Rs 250-crore ropeway project along the trek route to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills. Shopkeepers, pony owners, porters, palki wallahs (palanquin-bearers) and others have been holding a sit-in in Katra town for several days, opposing the project which they fear would render them jobless.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets on Monday, brandishing slogans like "Bharat Mata ki Jai" as hundreds of people took part. The protests had initially begun three days ago and were later extended by 24 hours.

Following a decision to extend the strike, tensions escalated when police tried to make way through the densely packed crowds while the protesters held their sit-in. Protests erupted anew this morning with one CRPF vehicle coming under attack from the angry mob.

"It was an unbearable scene – stones pelted and the windshield shattered on our vehicle," said an officer in the matter.

Local authorities have since taken steps to ensure public order, including the assistance offered by the police force. The Regional SSP Paramvir Singh described the law and order situation as demanding efforts and stated that the administrations is striving to allay protester's worries by engaging in dialogue with those involved.

At present, over 1.50 crore of devotees visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine every year - making it a revered site for Hindus throughout Jammu division