Protests against Vaishno Devi ropeway turn violent in J&K | India News – Times of India

JAMMU: Protests against a proposed ropeway along the Vaishno Devi trek took an ugly turn on Monday as shopkeepers and pony and palanquin owners clashed with police at Katra base camp in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. One police officer was injured in the collision.
The protests started on November 22 after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine plate announced to go ahead with its Rs 250-crore project between Tarakote Marg and Sanji Chhat.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the chairman of the board, told reporters on Monday that the genuine concerns of the people would be taken into account and a committee, headed by Jammu’s divisional commissioner, had already spoken to stakeholders to arrive at a consensus come. However, he said: development projects will not be in danger.
At Katra, angry protesters started hitting a CRPF vehicle with stones when it tried to pass by the protest site. A police officer was injured after being assaulted, officials said.
“We will try to find a solution that is acceptable to all,” said Vishesh Mahajan, deputy commissioner of Reasi. “We are trying to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to pilgrims and others,” he added.