Vaishno Devi Ropeway Row: 2 detained, FIR against 8 after fresh protests in Katra

KATRA: Protests erupted once again at the Katra base camp in Reasi district over the proposed Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project along the trek route to the Vaishno Devi shrine. On Wednesday, police detained two leaders of the protest, Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand, after fresh demonstrations took place. The latest unrest followed an FIR that was registered on Tuesday against eight individuals for their involvement in Monday’s violent clash, which left a policeman injured.

The protests were organized by local representatives of labourers and shopkeepers, who opposed the ropeway initiative planned by the Shrine Board. Police officials said that when the demonstrators attempted to move forward, they were stopped, leading to clashes. Singh and Chand were arrested and transported by police, while other participants were dispersed.

The FIR registered in connection with Monday’s violence details how the police were deployed for law and order duties at Fountain Chowk, Katra, due to the ongoing protests. The complaint alleges that the protestors blocked the road, disrupting traffic and hindering the movement of pilgrims. Singh, Chand, and others are accused of inciting violence, assaulting officers, and using bricks and stones to attack police personnel. Additionally, the protesters allegedly tore the police uniforms and damaged vehicles, posing a risk to public safety and endangering the lives of passengers and pilgrims.

The demonstration had caused injuries to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Katra and other officers, who were treated at the community health center in Katra. The protestors were also accused of stone-pelting and creating chaos for the general public and visiting pilgrims.

Following the escalation, the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan, engaged with protest leaders, including Singh, who agreed to suspend the strike until December 15. The administration assured that discussions would be held with relevant stakeholders, including Shrine Board officials, to address the concerns of the protestors.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed that the genuine concerns of the local communities would be addressed.