Katra: Protest called off after authorities assure ‘acceptable’ solution to all

Jammu, Nov 25: The massive protests over the proposed ropeway project in Katra were called off on Monday after authorities assured locals that they will work to find a ‘mutually’ acceptable solution.

Earlier, a march by shopkeepers and labourers against the proposed ropeway project along the trek route leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine took an ugly turn as some protesters clashed with the police at the Katra base camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

Police said the law-and-order situation had escalated and talks were being held to defuse the situation.

The concerned Deputy Commissioner Reasi and other top officials of civil and police administration reached at the spot to hold dialogue with the protesters.

“We have talked to protesters, and they have been dispersed. The stakeholders put forth their demands, and we told them the administration has to talk over the matter with other concerned stakeholders as well. We are trying to ensure no inconvenience is caused to pilgrims and others,” Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan told reporters.

He said, “I’m fully confident that the brothers I have spoken to will respect me enough to ensure that the journey runs smoothly and regularly. We will also try to find a solution through discussions that will make everyone happy”.

“We will try to find out a solution which will be acceptable to everybody,” DC Reasi said.

He assured protesters that work on the project will only start after taking locals and other stakeholders into confidence.