Protest against Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project turns violent in J&K | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A protest against one cable car project Near the Vaishno Devi shrine turned violent on Monday after protesters, including pony and palanquin owners, clashed with police. Katra base camp in J&K’s Reasi district, injuring one police official.
The demonstrators decided on Sunday evening to extend their initial 72-hour strike for another 24 hours.
The protest arose after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine sign announced a Rs 250-crore ropeway system connecting Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat along the 12-kilometer path.

Local business owners and workers are concerned that the two-year construction project will take away their source of income.
Tensions escalated on Monday when protesters obstructed a CRPF vehicle trying to pass through the demonstration area and damaged the vehicle’s windshield.
After police intervened to withdraw the vehicle, some protesters began pelting stones at law enforcement officers.
“The law and order situation has become a challenge and we are trying to deal with it. Officers are in talks with the protesters to resolve the issue,” said Superintendent of Police (Reasi) Paramvir Singh.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the project or financial compensation for those affected.