Katra: Massive protests and stone pelting took place on Monday after local traders oppose Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway (Gondola) project in Katra, Reasi district of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Several videos of the stone pelting and violence have gone viral.
Protesters have clashed with police on the streets demanding that the Mata Vaishno Devi ropeway project in Katra be scrapped. It was the fourth day of the protest by local traders and businesses when violence broke out.
J&K LG Responds to Katra Protests
Most of the protesters including pithus and palanquin owners have been fearing loss of livelihood due to ropeway project.
Local police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been working to control the situation. Meanwhile, J&K LG Manoj Sinha said that the government wants that there are increased opportunity of jobs and employment. He said the government will listen to their grievances.
Traders’ Livelihoods Threatened by Gondola Project
The protesters have also raised slogans against Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and demanded that the project be scrapped else the protest will be intensified.
The local traders are angry over the Gondola project that connects Tarakot Marg with Sanjhi Chhat. Traders say the project will endanger their livelihood. The protesters also claim they are also backed by local residents as they will also suffer financially due to this ropeway project.
