An uneasy calm prevailed at Katra in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir after Monday's violent protests against the installation of a proposed ropeway along the Vaishno Devi shrine route, in which a dozen protesters and an officer were injured.
The protesters, including shopkeepers, labourers, pony operators, and porters, say the project will deprive them of their livelihoods.
The strike began on November 22 after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced a Rs 250-crore ropeway project connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat.
On Monday, the situation worsened after a CRPF vehicle, while attempting to pass through the protest site at Katra’s main Chowk, was allegedly attacked by the protesters. The protesters allege that the police resorted to unprovoked lathi-charge against them. In the ensuing clashes, 12 protesters and a police officer were injured.
The protesters demanded that the project be cancelled or that those affected be compensated.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan held talks with protest leader Bhupinder Singh, resulting in a temporary suspension of the strike until December 15.
Mahajan told THE WEEK that the protesters called off their strike after being informed that a solution to their demands would be sought through talks. About the demand for compensation, he said, “That will not be decided at my level. Everything will be discussed with the stakeholders”.
Mahajan stated that they would seek a solution that is beneficial for all. “There are multiple stakeholders,” he said. “One group comprises the shopkeepers, and the other is of the horse and pony wallas. We will find a solution that is beneficial for all, including the yatris.”
He noted that for now, the work on the ropeway has been stopped. “We will see how to proceed,” the officer said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also addressed the situation, stating that the protesters' concerns will be considered. Local Congress leaders are supporting the protesters.
Karan Singh, a Congress activist, stated that his party supports the demands of the protesters. “The horse, pony, and palki (palanquin) owners have demanded Rs 20 lakh as compensation if the project has to be executed,” Singh said. “If that is done, there will be no objection from horse, pony, and palki owners.”
He said that Congress leader Bupinder Singh was arrested after Monday’s protests. “ We demand all those who have been arrested under different FIRs be released.”